Press Room --

Where Are The Wild Things? at Illinois State Museum

Annual Halloween Event promotes safe, healthy, and fun activites

SPRINGFIELD, IL – On October 31 from noon – 5 p.m., the Illinois State Museum will present the 24^th annual Where Are the Wild Things? Halloween event, featuring live entertainment, fun children’s activities, live insects, animal displays, and much more. The Illinois State Museum is partnering with the genH Coalition, WDBR 103.7 FM Radio, and many other community sponsors to present a safe, educational, and entertaining Halloween event. Children will be able to touch live bugs and prehistoric shark teeth, explore a cave, see a display of bats, make a recycled craft, and engage in activities throughout the Museum. Activities, treat bags, and door prizes are designed to encourage children to have active, healthy lifestyles. The genH Coalition will bring pig hearts, which are very similar to human hearts, for children to see and learn about heart health. GenH will also provide a healthy cooking demonstration.

Live entertainment will take place on the hour, starting at 1:00 pm. A Glow-In-The-Dark Show will be presented by Comedic Juggler Troy Roark at 1:00 pm, a magic show presented by Magician Eldon Roark at 2:00 pm, and Salsa with Julio Barrenzuela of Salsa 29 Productions at 3:00 and 4:00 pm. Every child will receive a grab bag full of toys and prizes and will be eligible to win other fantastic door prizes including bicycle helmets, books, toys, fishing poles, and more. Local businesses have donated items to help promote children’s health and fitness. There will be a drawing for several grand door prizes, including a Wii (donated by Best Buy), a boy’s bike (donated by Target) and a girl’s bicycle (donated by Meijer).  

The Illinois State Museum is pleased to partner with the genH (generation Healthy!) Coalition on this year’s event. genH is a non-profit, grassroots coalition comprised of health professionals, educators, fitness experts, parents and concerned citizens dedicated to improving the health of every child. The genH Coalition works with school districts, families and community organizations to educate, empower, increase physical activity and improve the nourishment our children receive. genH kids know that Healthy Bodies translate into Healthy Minds, Healthy Behavior, and a Healthy Future!! For more information, visit the genH Coalition website.

This event is specially designed for children under 12. Admission at the door is $2 for children (which includes a grab bag) and $1 for adults. Costumes are encouraged. Proceeds from this event support educational programs at the Museum throughout the year. For more information and a complete list of sponsors visit www.museum.state.il.us/events or contact Elizabeth Bazan at ebazan@museum.state.il.us or (217) 782-5993.

The Illinois State Museum promotes discovery, learning, and an appreciation of Illinois' natural, cultural, and artistic heritage. The Museum's extensive collections and research activities provide the foundation for exhibitions and public programs that tell the story of the land, life, people, and art of Illinois. The Illinois State Museum is located at 502 S. Spring Street (the corner of Spring and Edwards Streets) in Springfield, and is open 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 5:00 p.m. Sunday.  Parking is available nearby, and the building is ADA accessible.