HR0953

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HOUSE RESOLUTION


 
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    WHEREAS, The members of the House of Representatives of the 
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State of Illinois are pleased to congratulate the City of 
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Arcola on the occasion of its 15th Annual Original Raggedy Ann &
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 Andy Festival; and

 
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    WHEREAS, The legacy of Arcola native Johnny Gruelle is 
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celebrated during the annual festival; Arcola is the birthplace 
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of Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, the 
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red-haired dolls that have helped brighten the lives of 
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children for decades; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Each year, the festival brings a vast array of 
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visitors to Arcola from across the globe, with doll collectors 
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and others increasingly drawn to Raggedy Ann and Andy in recent 
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years, the festival continues to grow; merchants of Raggedy Ann 
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and Andy items offer their wares along the streets and in the 
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Arcola Center during the festival, attracting a large gathering 
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of collectors; and
 
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    WHEREAS, Each year, over 25,000 people visit Arcola for 
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Raggedy Ann & Andy related activities; and

 
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    WHEREAS, The festival begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 21, 
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2004 with a Country Picnic Dinner; other festivities include 
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the 4th Annual Raggedy Ann & Andy Walk on Saturday, May 22, 
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2004, entertainment, a book signing, a street dance, the Annual 
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Raggedy Ann Parade, a Circus Tea Party, and a Sunday Brunch; 
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and

 
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    WHEREAS, Arcola is home to the Raggedy Ann & Andy Museum, 
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where the spirit of the dolls is brought to life in dozens of 
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displays with help from some of Johnny Gruelle's descendants; 
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and

 
 


 






HR0953
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LRB093 22105 HSS 50939 r




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    WHEREAS, The Raggedy Ann & Andy Festival offers the largest 
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collection of Raggedy Ann merchandise at one place in the 
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world; therefore, be it

 
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    RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE 
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NINETY-THIRD GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we 
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congratulate the City of Arcola on the occasion of its 15th 
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Annual Original Raggedy Ann & Andy Festival; and be it further

 
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    RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be 
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presented to the City of Arcola as an expression of our esteem.