Families searching for a "staycation" this Labor Day weekend can kick back with barbecue and bluegrass at Noah's Landing, a non-profit children's zoo in Coats.

"Blue and ‘Cue at the Zoo," will kick off on Saturday, Sept. 5 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and continue on Sunday, Sept. 6 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Besides the opportunity to get face to face with the zoo's growing menagerie, guests can plop down next to a bluegrass jam session, meet raptors from the Wildlife Rescue Center in Sanford, hop in the moonbounce, or just get messy at the craft tables. On Sunday, a local stable will be offering horse rides for kids.

"More and more, we're watching our weekend attendance rise as people search for fun experiences closer to home," says Dora Turner, Noah's Landing director. "And we couldn't think of a better way to celebrate a long summer weekend than good food and music. We hope parents will be able to relax by the banjo and kids can cut loose with crafts and games."

Noah's Landing is home to more than 60 species of animals from around the world, including kinkajou, an American alligator, porcupines, and a pair of laughing kookaburra.

"Kids and families are often amazed that some of these animals even exist in the world," says Turner. "And we're happy to bring people face to face with them so close to central North Carolina."

Besides handing carrots to "Victoria," a grant's zebra, or getting eye to eye with favorites like the fennec fox, wallaby and ring-tailed lemurs, guests at "Blue and ‘Cue" will also get to meet the zoo's summer babies: two Miniature Sicilian Donkeys, a tree porcupine, and a ­­­­Patagonian Cavy.

Officials are also hoping kids and families can help name the zoo's latest inhabitat: a 1-year-old Capchin monkey recently rescued from Montana. The facility has launched a community-wide survey to gather potential names for the black and white faced primate, whose native range is central and South America. Suggestions can be submitted on the zoo's website and a final vote will be held at the Blue and ‘Cue event.

"When you have as many animals as we do, it gets tough to come up with fun names," says Carie Page, a volunteer who coordinates educational events. "If it hasn't starred in a Disney movie or nabbed a Saturday TV show, we get stuck. So we're hoping the public can be a bit more creative than we are."

The farm specializes in hands-on, science education, encouraging families to learn about the animal kingdom through sight, sound, and touch. On the Zoolympic Trail, for instance, kids can yell into a meter to see how their decibels compare to the laugh of the farm's Kookaburra or slink through a series of arches to slither like snakes. During Labor Day weekend, kids will be invited to feed hoofstock, touch smaller critters, and make enrichment treats for animals.

"Blue and ‘Cue" is the latest fundraiser for the non-profit facility and proceeds from the gate and the sale of barbecue plate will help fund new handicapped bathrooms. Families can buy barbecue plate at the zoo's entrance for $7; zoo admission is not required.

In addition to special events, the zoo provides field trips to local schools, classroom programs, and a "mobile nature center" that sets up at local events. In the summer, kids can participate in the zoo's "Junior Zookeeper Camp" (www.juniorzookeeper.com) in summer and winter and, in the fall, families are invited to "Trick or Treat" at the zoo's Halloween Spooktacular.

For more information about Noah's Landing or the Labor Day event, visit: www.noahslanding2x2.com.

###

"Blue and ‘Cue at the Zoo"

Saturday, September 5: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday, September 6: 1 p.m.-5 p.m.

Rain Dates: Sept. 12-13

Admission: $8/person

BBQ Plates: $7 (Zoo admission not necessary to purchase plates.)

Located at 1489 Live Oak Road in Coats, NC. Approximately 45 minutes east of Raleigh.

Related Links

1. http://www.noahslanding2x2.com
2. http://www.noahslanding2x2.com/Blue