POCATELLO - Camp chairs lined the amphitheater of the Fort Hall replica in Ross Park as a steadily growing crowd congregated around tables filled with food, wine and auction items. The fifth annual "A Midsummer's Night at the Zoo" fundraiser was in full swing Saturday evening, accompanied by sunny weather, picturesque scenery and the music of the band US BLUEZ.

The event, one of two main fundraisers for the Pocatello Zoo, offered a night of classy entertainment in exchange for local support of zoo initiatives at the cost of $25 per ticket. More than 250 people attended last year's event, and Scott Ransom, director of the Pocatello Zoo for more than 12 years, said he hoped to hit 300 people this year.

"We raised over $9,000 for the zoo last year, and we are trying to double that this year," Ransom said. "This event is a way to get operating and education funds and also goes to the salary of the education curators. We are trying to convey this as a classy event so that even though those in attendance are supporting the zoo, everyone's having a great time as well."

Ransom said the event also served as a way to get the word out about the zoo's master plan, an expansion project at the heart of the zoo's capital campaign fundraising drive. The plan envisions a greatly expanded Pocatello Zoo with no visible fencing and an improved grizzly exhibit as its main focus.

The adults-only fundraiser included live and silent auctions, as well as wine tasting, a raffle, a selection of appetizers and desserts and music provided by US BLUEZ. Brenda Baumgartner of News Channel 6 emceed the event, which was sponsored by Kinport Junction and Warehouse and Ace Hardware and Outdoor Sports.

"As long as I've lived in Pocatello I've enjoyed the zoo," Baumgartner said. "It's so unique to this area, and it's something we should really be proud of."

Ed Guthrie, former Pocatello police chief and primary event coordinator for the Pocatello Zoological Society Board of Directors, said it was important to support this integral part of the Pocatello community.

"The zoo is an amenity to everyone," Guthrie said. "I think it really reflects the character of Pocatello because it offers only North American animals specific to this area. That's why it's special."

Several attendees, including Texas Roadhouse Managing Partner Dave Alexander, said they were out for both the entertainment and to support the zoo.

"It's a good event," Alexander said. "I support what the zoo does and what it provides for this community, and I fully support the new grizzly exhibit. We're also out here for some food and fun."

Carol Hegstrom of Pocatello added that she felt it was important for children to see animals in their natural habitat as much as possible.

"Growing up in the Bronx, we had a great zoo, and I remember seeing the animals," Hegstrom said. "I think all kids should be able to do that."

Ransom said that Pocatello is lucky to have a zoo, and that community support is vital to its continued survival.

"There aren't many cities this size that have a zoo," Ransom said. "And with gas prices continually going up, it's a great and inexpensive escape."