Garfield to appear at Jackson Zoo

By Staff
July 7, 2004
Special to The Star Garfield, the world's most famous feline and popular comic strip character, will appear at the Jackson Zoo on Saturday and Sunday.
Garfield was introduced to the world in just 41 newspapers on June 19, 1978, but quickly became the fastest growing and most widely syndicated comic strip ever.
Today, the strip appears in more than 2,570 newspapers.
The mastermind of cartoonist Jim Davis, Garfield is a humorous strip centered around the lives of a fat, lazy, cynical orange cat who loves coffee, lasagna and his remote control.
He loves TV and hates Mondays.
Many activities are planned for the two days: a Garfield coloring contest for ages 2-12, face painting, fun jump, sand box fun, and Meet and Greets with Garfield.
Jimmie Saucier, director of marketing for the zoo, said "the excitement is building as everyone's favorite movie star cat is scheduled for two days of special meet and greets so don't forget to bring your camera."
Sponsors for this event are Edison Walthall Hotel, Jackson Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Jackson Coca-Cola Bottling Company, The Clarion-Ledger and Clear Channel Radio.
Regular Zoo hours are Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 9a.m.-6 p.m. Zoo admission is $5.30 for adults 13 and older, $2.70 for children 3-12 and $3.25 for senior citizens.
Children 2 and under, along with Friends of the Zoo members, are free. Take a ride on the train for just $2. The Jackson Zoo is at 2918 W. Capitol Street. The current entrance is on Parkside Place, the extension of Ellis Avenue.
For more information call (601)-352-2581.