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Rodent Ritual

Pest control company celebrates in a big way

A A A Comments By Margaret Griffis and Nina Korman Thursday, Oct 30 2003

WED 11/5

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You already know the little yellow mousecar. The VW Beetle with attached ears and tail? It was likely the first car you ever wanted to drive until you reached puberty and realized it was only an ad for pest extermination. Thankfully, postmodern irony allows you to fall in love all over again -- and just in time. Truly Nolen, the company behind that brilliant advertising campaign, celebrates its 65th anniversary in a style worthy of the popular little car. Today at Pro Player Stadium (2269 NW 199th St.) 65 of those mechanical vermin will lead a procession around the parking lot beginning at 11:00 a.m. Capping off the parade is the unveiling of a giant mousetrap, which at 12 feet tall is big enough to eradicate one of the mousecars if they aren't crafty enough to escape. The 600-pound rodent's nightmare will be set off just once in an attempt to enter the Guinness Book of World Records. (No word yet on whether a suitable monster mouse has been located.) Then it's off on a national tour of cities serviced by the pest control giant born in South Florida. Enjoy birthday cake, cheesy snacks, and, of course, people dressed up as mice. Maybe you can exact revenge by gnawing on their food. Admission is free. Call 305-646-7487. -- By Margaret Griffis

Night Stalking

Get spooked by things nocturnal

FRI 10/31 For your jaded kids, there's nothing scary about Halloween. It's simply a candy-collecting opportunity. By 6:00 p.m. they've donned their costumes and gone running out of the house and down the street. By 7:30 they're back and have nothing better to do but gorge themselves on sugary treats. Well, take them to Castellow Hammock Park (22301 SW 162nd Ave., Homestead) at 8:00 p.m. and give them a little holiday fright with the Halloween Owl Walk. Your family will trek through a dark and creepy trail with a naturalist seeking screech owls, night hawks, and the menacingly named ogre-faced spiders. Don't forget your flashlight and garlic necklace. Hey, what's that behind you? Admission is $5. Call 305-242-7688. -- By Nina Korman

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