Governor And First Lady Host Halloween At Executive Mansion

Governor and Mrs. Ryan will welcome a parade of ghosts, super heroes, ballerinas and more as elementary school children show off their costumes at the Illinois Executive Mansion on Sunday, October 31, 1999.

"The Governor and I are looking forward to seeing the children of Springfield in their Halloween costumes," said Mrs. Ryan. "It is a great opportunity for the children to spend time at the mansion, learn a little history and munch on some goodies."

The Halloween activities will begin at the Illinois State Museum at noon where costumed children will delight in finding the Wild Things of Illinois in the "Where Are the Wild Things?" scavenger hunt. Additional entertainment includes magic tricks and juggling shows, and Halloween movies.

At 4:15 p.m. there will be a "Parade of Costumes" from the Museum to the Illinois Executive Mansion. Mrs. Ryan will welcome the children and their parents at the door of the Mansion at 4:30 p.m.

The children will be invited to walk through pumpkin filled halls to the dining room where they will each receive a bag of Halloween candy. Complimentary souvenir pictures will be taken outside the Fifth Street doors.

The Illinois Candy Distributors and Manufacturers have sponsored the Executive Mansion's "No Tricks - Just Treats" for the past eleven years. IATCD representative Harry L. Kelley states, "The distributors across Illinois and I are thrilled with the opportunity to once again hold this worthwhile family event at the beautiful Executive Mansion. We thank the many manufacturers who have donated their product to continue this safe, fun and traditional event."

WNNS Lite Rock 99 sponsors the events at the Illinois State Museum. The "Parade of Costumes" will be lead by the WNNS boombox.

Every hour there will be new and exciting programs in the State Museum's Auditorium. The cost to participate at the Museum is $2 per child and accompanying adults are free. These festivities are from noon until 4 p.m. The Illinois State Museum is located at the corner of Spring and Edward Streets.

The Mansion is located at 410 East Jackson Street. Local school children (grade six and under) have been invited to trick-or-treat at the historic home from 4:30 p.m.-7p.m. The festivities at the Mansion require no entrance fee.