By Stephanie Edwards

The Knoxville Zoo will host one wild party on Aug. 16.

The zoo’s 14th Annual Feast with the Beasts will be held from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. and is sure to keep you and your friends entertained and well-fed.

“It’s one of the zoo’s largest fundraisers each year,” said Teresa Collins, special event manager for the zoo.

“This is a very unique environment. It is a rare opportunity to get to be in the zoo at night.”

Bands like The Dave Landeo Band and the Detroitdaddie Trio will keep the party rocking the entire night.

The zoo, like any well-mannered party host, doesn’t want guests to get hungry during the festivities.

More than 35 area restaurants and food vendors will be on hand to supply delicious items such as jambalaya and Italian specialties.

More than 35 vendors will provide samples of food and beverages they would like to promote.

Participants include restaurants like Amerigo Italian Restaurant, Applebee’s, Bayou Bay, Green Hills Grille, O’Charley’s and Silver Spoon.

Guests are required to be at least 21 years old due to the serving of alcoholic beverages during the event.

A current ID, proving guests are age 21 or older, must be presented at the event.

The event has grown from 350 guests and 24 vendors in 1995 to more than 1,800 guests and nearly 40 vendors in 2006.

Feast with the Beasts has become one of the zoo’s most popular and successful fund-raising events.

Tickets purchased now through July 4, will be discounted by $5. Zoo members will save an additional $5.

Tickets will be sold at the gate for $70.

Proceeds from Feast with the Beasts will benefit the animals at Knoxville Zoo.  

“It is a great value. For the price of the donation, you get your food, drink, entertainment and an opportunity to be in the zoo,” Collins said.

“Our zoo is a great treasure, and this is a way for adults to come out and enjoy a night out at the zoo. You can’t find an environment like this anywhere else in town.”

Tickets are available at the zoo’s ticket office, at www.knoxville-zoo.org or at area ORNL Federal Credit Union locations and Pilot stores. Phone orders can be made by calling  (865) 637-5331 ext. 300.