Adventure Awaits Ye

Oklahoma Aquarium’s pirate-themed HallowMarine event will be held October 27-31.

A safe, indoor, family-friendly event hosted by the Oklahoma Aquarium, HallowMarine is a great way to spend Halloween. “This is our largest kids’ event,” says Phillip Tate, Oklahoma Aquarium’s production manager. “Last year we had over 5,000 people. This is our fifth year, and every year it has grown tremendously.”

HallowMarine is sure to provide a lot of fun for kids of all ages. “Kids come into the aquarium, and the first thing they see is our giant carnival,” Tate says. “This is quite a big eye opener, and it really gets them excited.” With a haunted house maze, a Jupiter Jump and tons of carnival games, kids will not be disappointed. “Our main sponsor is BancFirst, and they’re amazing,” Tate continues. “They bring their popcorn machines and hand out free popcorn.”

Upon entering Haunted Pier 13, families will be able to explore the entire aquarium. Decked out in a pirate theme, there will be crates, haunted docks and ports, an old tavern with sailors and more. Kids will not want to miss out on all the Halloween activities at HallowMarine.

Local businesses will be scattered throughout the aquarium to hand out candy to little ghosts and goblins on the trick-or-treat trail. Many new games will also entertain kids.

In the Oceans Room, the amazing Haunted Sunken Ship will be showcased during HallowMarine. Recommended for teenagers and adults, the display is not for the faint of heart or for small children. The flooding ship, which requires a month to build, is a maze with treasure rooms, water effects, lighting and special effects. Visitors exit into the shark tunnel, which adds to the feeling of being underwater.

Tate says he enjoys seeing parents and kids smiling, laughing and having a good time at HallowMarine. “It makes worthwhile all the hard work that goes into planning the event,” he mentions. “If you have never been to HallowMarine, you need to come check it out. It’s a lot of fun, and people say it gets better every year.”

HallowMarine also helps local businesses market themselves. Companies or organizations who wish to participate may do so free of charge, provided they sign up with the aquarium beforehand. “We had 30 businesses each day of the event last year,” Tate adds. Participating merchants must commit to three nights minimum, and they get four free tickets to the event. Additional tickets are half-price. To register, contact Tate at (918) 528-1506.

Can’t wait for the excitement of HallowMarine? Jumpstart your Halloween celebration at Oklahoma Aquarium’s Pirates ‘n’ Pajamas event. Beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 19, this event kicks off HallowMarine. “This is actually a sleepover,” Tate says. “Participants can sleep anywhere in the aquarium.” With a treasure hunt, dinner, a movie, a midnight flashlight tour and breakfast the next morning, the event is sure to be thrilling. Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis, and it fills up quickly. Sign up for Pirates ‘n’ Pajamas online at www.okaquarium.org or by calling (918) 528-1508.

The 2007 HallowMarine event runs from Saturday, October 27, to Wednesday, October 31. It will be held each evening from 6:30 to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children ages three to 12. Oklahoma Aquarium members can receive $1 off each ticket with a valid member ID. This year, for the first time, the aquarium will sell advance tickets throughout October. For more news and information about HallowMarine, Pirates ‘n’ Pajamas or other events at the Oklahoma Aquarium, visit www.okaquarium.org or call (918) 296-3474. Adventure awaits ye!

For more information, contact

Oklahoma Aquarium

(918) 296-3474

www.okaquarium.org