Gov. Chris Gregoire, First Gentleman invite children to a rootin� tootin� Halloween at the Executive Mansion

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2009

OLYMPIA � Gov. Chris Gregoire has invited all young children and their parents to come to the Executive Mansion this Halloween for a rootin� tootin� good time as she celebrates the night as Jessie, the yodelin� cowgirl from the Toy Story movies. On Saturday, Oct. 31, the Mansion's front porch will be opened up for families and their children for trick or treating.

�Sweet Mother of Abraham Lincoln, it�s time we had some fun around here!� Gregoire exclaimed.

The First Gentleman will assist the governor as Woody. They will be joined by Buzz Lightyear and a variety of other toys, including Bo Peep and Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head. The mansion�s front porch will be decorated as a replica of Andy�s bedroom. Andy is the young boy whose toys come to life whenever he leaves the room.

Trick-or-treaters are invited to arrive at the Executive Mansion between 6 and 8 pm, and will receive a chocolate bar. Keeping with tradition, hidden away in five of the bars will be a magic �Golden Ticket.� Recipients of the golden ticket and four of their guests will be invited to the mansion on Dec. 4 for a special holiday reception with the Governor and a sneak preview of the mansion's holiday decorations. Guests will also receive a behind-the-scenes tour by Trooper, the First Dog. The golden ticket must be presented for entry.

Since 2005, the Governor and First Gentleman have dressed up in costume and entertained local children as characters from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Charlotte�s Web, Happy Feet and Dora the Explorer.

According to the State Capitol Tour Office, the Executive Mansion will be fully decorated for the holidays and open to the public on December 9, 10, 16 and 17. Advanced reservations are required by calling the tour office at 360-902-8880.

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