HR0953 93RD GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0953 LRB093 22105 HSS 50939 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

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

WHEREAS, The legacy of Arcola native Johnny Gruelle is celebrated during the annual festival; Arcola is the birthplace of Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, the red-haired dolls that have helped brighten the lives of children for decades; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the festival brings a vast array of visitors to Arcola from across the globe, with doll collectors and others increasingly drawn to Raggedy Ann and Andy in recent years, the festival continues to grow; merchants of Raggedy Ann and Andy items offer their wares along the streets and in the Arcola Center during the festival, attracting a large gathering of collectors; and

WHEREAS, Each year, over 25,000 people visit Arcola for Raggedy Ann & Andy related activities; and

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

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

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

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

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