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It's no trick: Halloween treats come when the sun is out too, you know.

The annual Halloween Hoot at Tracy Aviary is proof. The historic, nationally recognized nature sanctuary, located at 589 East 1300 South inside Liberty Park, will be holding its annual fall harvest celebration on consecutive Saturdays: Oct. 17, 24 and 31, leading up to the big Halloween Day. Tracy Aviary opens at 9 a.m. and Halloween Hoot festivities begin around 10 a.m.

There are plenty of reasons to get into the spirit, too. Wearing a costume to Tracy Aviary means 50 percent off admission, but there are plenty more.

Here are five more reasons Halloween is a Hoot at Tracy Aviary:

1. It's a-maze-ing

"It's a lot of fun for little adventurers," said Becca Dupaix, Development Coordinator for Tracy Aviary.

The annual straw maze is a big attraction for Halloween Hoot-goers, young and old alike. It's not only fun for families, but like Dupaix said, it's also fun for Tracy Aviary's permanent residents too.

"Andy N. Condor (our own 'celebirdy') likes to run around the maze sometimes too," Dupaix said.

2. It's no 'Mystery'

The annual event boasts hundreds of visitors every year who know that celebrating fall colors is best at the world-famous bird sanctuary.

The Halloween Hoot's Mystery Tour is among one of the festival's main attractions: A winding look through Tracy Aviary's exhibits and grounds, the mystery tour is Halloween Hoot's signature edutainment event.

"The tour ends with a special guest and prize too," said Lindsey Hooker, Community Awareness Coordinator for Tracy Aviary.

3. Arts, crafts and curiosity

Whether it's decorating mini-pumpkins straight from the patch, frightfully fun drop-in painting projects for children or festive face painting, Dupaix said it's a good time to be creative.

"We have a great assortment of activities every day," she said. "Our Halloween Hoot Saturdays just add to the level of entertainment and education we have throughout the year."

Tracy Aviary is open year-round and features distinctly different exhibits and entertainment depending on season.

"Our year-round events make Tracy Aviary a great place to be, but we particularly look forward to our fall festivals that showcase the best colors of the year," Hooker said.

4. Learning isn't just for the birds

At the heart of the Halloween Hoot is the educational opportunity Tracy Aviary supplies.

Each festivalgoer is treated to America's largest and oldest bird park located in the heart of downtown Salt Lake City.

"We're really excited about getting people interested in nature and the birds around them," Hooker said.

A portion of every admission goes toward teaching the next generation about the importance of protecting every ecosystem.

5. Family fun, and affordable too

In addition to Tracy Aviary's affordable prices, the Halloween Hoot weekends are a great way to save for a fun day out for the family. Ticket prices start at $4.95 for children 12 years old and younger, and adult tickets are $7.95. Children 2 years old and younger are free, and seniors 65 years old or older are $6.95.

Festivalgoers who show up in costume receive 50 percent off admission.

"It's a great reason to get outside and play and do some fun family activities," Dupaix said.

Halloween Hoot will be held 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, 24 and 31. Tracy Aviary is America's oldest and largest bird park with more than 400 birds from 135 different species. It is located at 589 E. 1300 South. For more information go to tracyaviary.org or call 801-596-8500.