HR0640 94TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0640 LRB094 14380 HSS 49310 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, This year marks the 79th year for the annual Centralia Halloween Parade; and

WHEREAS, The parade was first organized in 1923 by Harry and Rhoda Mapes and Arthur Noren; a Mardi Gras theme was chosen for the first parade; it was led by Police Chief Erwin, Fire Chief T.C. Neely, Mayor D.F. Lender, and Commissioners Glore, Piefer, Cunningham, Garnier, and Newman; and

WHEREAS, The tradition has carried on throughout the years, with such themes as Halloween Frolic, Spooky Halloween, Songs, Historical Events, Filmland Revue, Fiction Fantasy, Remember When, The World of Disney, Through the Eyes of a Child, Family Traditions, and Century Celebrations; during World War II, a War Bond Auction and dances were held; and

WHEREAS, There have been many well-known grand marshals and attendees of the parade, including St. Louis Cardinals players Ted Simmons, FredBird, Tom Lawless, and Greg Mathews; Pat and Richard Nixon; former Harlem Globetrotter Bobby Joe Mason; the Ninja Turtles; and Uncle Sam (as portrayed by Kendall Mayes); and

WHEREAS, The co-chairmen of the 79th annual parade to be held on Saturday, October 29, 2005, are Rob Jackson and Justin Moll; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE NINETY-FOURTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we recognize the grand tradition that is the Centralia Halloween Parade in its 79th year; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to Rob Jackson and Justin Moll as an expression of our esteem.