TOPEKA (KSNT) – The Topeka Zoo’s annual Roar & Pour will return this year and it’s promised to be bigger and better than ever.
Lexi Granados, social media and digital content creator for the Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center, reports that the Road & Pour Wine Fest will take place on April 29. It will feature wine, food and entertainment for attendees within the Topeka Zoo.
Eight local artists and animals from the Topeka Zoo are teaming up to auction off one-of-a-kind artwork to help support the zoo, according to Granados. Each artwork includes contributions from both the artist and the animal. The process of painting each artwork is an enriching and sensory stimulating activity for the animals, resulting in a one of a kind artwork.
Participating artists from the zone and their animal partners are as follows:
- Doug Frye and Cassie the Mountain Lion
- Lisa LaRue Baker and Rudy the orangutan
- Sara Myer and Albert the otter
- Andrea Nix and Tembo the elephant
- Devin Wineinger and the tigers, Thomas and Nisha
- Nancy Jones and Vision the Hippo
- Allison Smith and the lorikeets
“At this year’s event, we are dedicated to enhancing the guest experience,” said Andrea Jones, Special Events Coordinator. “We are increasing the amount of pour stations and adding entertainment, which is an added value for our guests. We’re adding new features to our VIP experience, like a fastpass for tastings. We are incredibly excited to celebrate our 90th anniversary and showcase the newest addition to the zoo, Giraffe & Friends.”
Roar & Pour is sponsored this year by Kaw Valley Bank.
“The Topeka Zoo has been a longtime favorite,” said Debbie Schwartz, vice president of marketing. “We at Kaw Valley Bank are happy to support their mission to enrich our community through wildlife conservation and education.”
The Roar & Pour has added a new twist this year with its VIP experience, according to Granados. This includes VIP parking and a VIP fast pass, which allows guests to skip the lines at each food outlet. Upon arrival, VIP guests are invited to explore the new Giraffe and Friends exhibit while enjoying cider provided by Z&M Twisted Vineyard and Winery. VIP guests will then walk through the Kay McFarland Japanese Garden, where food will be provided by Bobby’s Food Co. and a flight of four wines. The “Nate in the Evening” band will provide live music for the VIP area.
Granados said Roar & Pour will take place on Saturday, April 29 from 6-9pm with a VIP reception from 5-6pm General admission tickets are $60 while VIP tickets are $90. Tickets for designated drivers cost $25.
