TOLEDO– As the leaves begin to turn and the crisp autumn air sets in, the Toledo Zoo transforms into a vibrant celebration of fall with its annual Harvest Fest, now in its fourth year. Running the entire month of October, the event is a joyful blend of giant animal shaped pumpkin displays, colorful mums, seasonal food, and fall festivities, all set against the stunning backdrop of one of the nation’s most beloved zoos.
“It’s so gorgeous. It’s so amazing,” says Jen Brassil, director of PR and communications events at the Toledo Zoo. “We have giant pumpkin displays and all kinds of beautiful fall flowers throughout our zoo grounds. And every year we add more displays.”
This year is extra special as the zoo marks its 125th anniversary alongside the 10-year celebration of the renovated aquarium. The event pays homage to both milestones with new zoo-themed pumpkin installations, including a large 125th anniversary display, pumpkin-shaped angler fish, and a wild prairie scene highlighting the zoo’s conservation mission.
“We just kind of go along with the theme,” Brassil explains, “and it’s a great celebration of our own 125 years and Harvest Fest at the same time.”
The creative force behind many of the displays is Ice Creations, a local company based in Napoleon known for their intricate ice carvings. Each year, they bring the same level of artistry to the pumpkins as they do to the ice.
“They’re a wonderful local partner to work with,” Brassil says. “Anytime I throw an idea at them: ‘Yep, we can do it; we’ll make it happen.’ So, they’re great to work with.”
Alongside the pumpkin displays, the zoo has been filled with various colorful mums to add to the festive vibes. “We have our horticulture team that comes in, and they work with a lot of local greenery and greenhouses to get all the mums,” says Brassil. “And then we order them months in advance.”
Harvest Fest isn’t just about the visuals; it’s a feast for the taste buds too. Nick Axe, assistant director of food service, says this year features brand new indulgences like three different loaded mac-and-cheese variations.
“The one we took the biggest swing [with] was the loaded sweet potato mac andcheese,” Axe says. “So that’s got bacon, candied nuts, parmesan cheese and then maple syrup on it, on top of the white cheddar mac and cheese and then the sweet potato… and it’s just the sweet and the savory. It’s fantastic. Easily my favorite.”
Other new items this year include caramel apple fudge, apple nachos, along with the buffalo chicken mac and cheese, pulled pork mac and cheese, and sweet potato mac and cheese.
“We take a lot of time and energy to make sure what we’re presenting is excellent,” Axe says. “That’s probably the funnest thing for me, is watching people enjoy it and that work that we did on the front end, seeing it come to fruition. I really enjoy that.”
With over 50,000 to 80,000 guests expected throughout October, the zoo has tailored the experience for everyone. From the Little Boo and Pumpkin Path events for kids, to tasting various craft brews at Zootober Fest for adults, to Senior Discovery Days offering free admission and special activities for visitors 60 and up, there’s something for every generation.
“I think it’s just one of those Toledo traditions that you have to hit up the Toledo Zoo, and then you share it with your family from each generation to come,” Brassil says. “It’s just a beautiful time to visit the zoo.”
Even the animals get in on the fun with the Pumpkin Stomp and Chomp event on Oct. 25, where animals interact with pumpkins in their exhibits often stomping, chomping, or even sniffing out species-appropriate treats hidden inside.
“It’s really fun, especially the elephants,” says Brassil. “They actually do stomp and chomp, and I mean they’ll just stomp them and pick them right up and eat them whole.”
For many staff members, the joy of Harvest Fest lies in watching visitors react to everything. Cynthia Barr, a bird keeper at the zoo, looks forward to the festival each year.
“I really like the Harvest Fest because I like to take pictures in front of the flowers,” Barr shares. “Every year I bring my family, my daughter, and we take pictures, and it just looks so pretty.”
With extended hours on Thursdays and Fridays, guests can now experience the displays glowing with lights all across the zoo grounds, creating even more photo opportunities with the family.
Whether it is pumpkin displays, fall flavors, or festive family memories, the Toledo Zoo’s Harvest Fest is a great fall tradition to add to this month’s activity bucket list.
