Gov. Christine Gregoire, First Gentleman invite children to a 'Scrumpdiddleumptious' Willy Wonka Halloween at the Executive Mansion

For Immediate Release: October 20, 2005

OLYMPIA - Oct. 20, 2005 - Gov. Christine Gregoire has designated the Executive Mansion as �everybody�s non-pullutionary, anti-institutionary, pro-confectionery factory of fun� as the site for Washington children to gather for Willy Wonka-themed Halloween on Monday, Oct. 31.

The governor and First Gentleman Mike Gregoire invite all children to the mansion�s front porch to �enter a world of pure imagination.� Gov. Gregoire will be in full costume as Willy Wonka as portrayed by Gene Wilder in the original version of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The First Gentleman will assist the governor as the Candy Man. They will be joined by Oompa Loompas and other characters.

The Executive Mansion will be open to trick or treaters from 6 to 8 p.m. Throughout the evening, a �scrumpdiddleumptious� chocolate bar will be handed out to each child. Hidden away in five of the chocolate bars will be a golden ticket. Each winner of the golden ticket will allow the child and two guests to enter the Mansion on Dec. 2 for a sneak preview of the Mansion's holiday decorations, including a complete behind-the-scenes tour of the Mansion by Franz, the First Dog. The golden ticket must be presented for entry.

When asked how the governor has time in her busy schedule to entertain the local children on Halloween she replied, "Hurry! We have so much time and so little to do! Wait a minute. Strike that. Reverse it."

It has always been a challenge for the First Gentleman to keep up with the fast pace of the governor. When asked how he does it, he replied, "If the good Lord had intended us to walk, he wouldn't have invented roller skates."

According to the State Capitol Tour Office, the Executive Mansion will be fully decorated for the holidays and open to the public on Dec. 7, 14 and 21. Advanced reservations are required by calling the tour office at 360.902-8880.

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