INNISFAIL – Despite the rain and gloomy weather, crowds came out to support Innisfail’s annual Zoofest at the Discovery Wildlife Park on Aug. 4.
“We have it every year on the Saturday of the August long weekend, rain or shine,” said Doug Bos, co-owner of Discovery Wildlife Park.
The family event has been a tradition for about five years, providing Innisfail residents free admission until noon.
“It’s to show customer appreciation. We love people from Innisfail to come in as a special event for the weekend,” he added.
This year visitors enjoyed a free pancake breakfast and animal presentations throughout the day. The park also added several new features, including a public market that featured clothing, jewelry, and kitchenware items.
Other new attractions had to be cancelled due to poor weather, noted Bos.
“We can’t have the bounce rides, they wouldn’t set up in the rain and the skydivers cancelled too,” he said.
Aside from the rain, Bos was pleased with the crowds and the support from local residents.
“There’s about 500 people out so far. The parking lot is full,” said Bos. “It’s been fuller, but despite the weather it’s way more than I expected.”
One of the families visiting the park for the first time was Kashmir Nagra and his family from British Columbia.
“My kids are so excited,” said Nagra, adding he wasn’t letting the rain stop some family fun. “We don’t want to miss out, whether it’s raining or nice weather.”
One Innisfail family makes Zoofest an annual tradition.
“We like to support the Discovery Wildlife Park and the kids love it too,” said Corey Collingwood. “It doesn’t matter what the weather is like, the kids love it. “It’s nice to see everybody out.
"We try to make it here every year if we’re in town,” Collingwood concluded.
