NEWS RELEASE

On Saturday, October 3, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm, McKee Botanical Garden will roll back its admission price to just $1 for all visitors in honor of Community Appreciation Day.

Held annually, Community Appreciation Day 2015 will commemorate fourteen years since the Garden’s historic reopening. In addition to reduced admission, the first 100 visitors will receive a complimentary copy of “The Miracle of McKee.” Written by local author Suzan Phillips, “The Miracle of McKee” provides a detailed history of the Garden, from its initial opening in 1932 to the tireless efforts to save it decades later so that it could be opened to the public once again. Phillips, a long-time McKee volunteer and board member, was a driving force in the movement to reclaim and restore the Garden.

“Many people don’t realize how close the Garden was to being bulldozed and lost forever,” said McKee Executive Director Christine Hobart. “Without the dedication and generosity of many in our community, McKee Botanical Garden would not be the growing, thriving horticultural destination that it is today,” she added. “We are deeply grateful for the support that has sustained us, and we invite all residents to visit on October 3 so they can learn more about McKee and all that it has to offer.”

Visitors also will receive $10 off any new annual membership purchased that day. As a McKee member, they will enjoy unlimited visits to the Garden for one year including special events and the upcoming Roar of the Dinosaur exhibition featuring the ferocious creations of artist and paleontologist Guy Darrough. Roar of the Dinosaur will be on display at McKee February 2 – May 1, 2016.

Additional membership benefits include a 10 percent discount at the Garden Gift Shop and Café, advanced notice of classes and workshops, and free or discounted admission to nearly 300 arboreta, gardens and museums across North America through the American Horticulture Society’s Reciprocal Admission Program.

Osceola Bistro at the Garden Cafe, currently closed for the summer, will be open specially for the event, serving a select menu of fresh salads, sandwiches and snacks from 11:00 am to 2:30 pm. The cafe will reopen for the season officially on November 1.

About McKee Botanical Garden
McKee Botanical Garden is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to nurture and enhance a historic garden in a unique tropical setting for the education, enjoyment and enrichment of all. McKee Botanical Garden is located at 350 US Highway 1 in Vero Beach. Summer admission rates through October 30 are $10 adults, $9 seniors and $5 children ages 3 to 12. Admission is free for members and children under 3. Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. The Garden is closed Mondays.

About Roar of the Dinosaur
Roar of the Dinosaur features the life-like creations of acclaimed fossil collector and paleontologist, Guy Darrough. Fourteen life-sized installations will be positioned throughout the Garden’s jungle-like landscape, offering a realistic glimpse into what life was like millions of years ago when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The exhibit will also include plants representative of the prehistoric time period as well as a Dino Dig Site where children will be able to unearth hidden dinosaur bones. McKee Botanical Garden will be the final stop for this traveling exhibit, that will be on display at the Garden February 2 – May 1, 2016. For more information, please call 772-794-0601 or visit http://www.mckeegarden.org.