ZooDazzle 2024 and Sentence to Serve Involvement

Sheriff's Office staff at Zoodazzle

Oxbow Park/ Zolman Zoo's holiday Zoodazzle event started in 2008 with park volunteers, park staff, and support from the Sentence to Serve (STS) program. The volunteers collected, maintained, coordinated, and provided part of the labor to decorate the entire zoo. The Friends of Oxbow (FOX) board assisted with the event by providing a silent auction, raffles, treats, and crafts. From the start, the STS program provided approximately 600 hours of labor per year, specific to the Zoodazzle event. 

Since 2023, the FOX board has assumed responsibility for the Zoodazzle event. They have identified specific committee members to coordinate the event, which is supported by park volunteers, park staff, and the STS program.

"STS currently provides the primary labor force for the event under the direction of the FOX board Zoodazzle coordinators. STS has also donated materials and decorations for the event. This partnership with STS has allowed us to grow the Zoodazzle event by enhancing and increasing its popularity. We would not be able to provide this event without the STS program support. The FOX board has thoroughly enjoyed working with the STS deputies and detainees over the past two years, and we look forward to a continued partnership with STS in years to come." - Patty Peterson (FOX Board Member/Zoodazzle Coordinator)