News from New York State Office of General Services

For more information contact: Brad Maione, 518-474-5987

OGS to Offer Halloween Activities for All Ages at The Empire State Plaza

ALBANY, NY (10/15/2007; 1537)(readMedia)-- New York State Office of General Services Commissioner John C. Egan today announced that OGS will host numerous Halloween events and activities at the Empire State Plaza, including Halloween trick or treating at the Governor’s Mansion.

The activities begin the weekend of October 20th as the New York State Museum hosts the Haunted Museum. This 3,000 square foot maze at the Haunted Museum will provide frights and fun for children over 10 years of age. All children 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult and costumes are not permitted at this activity. Admission is $6 per person and all proceeds will benefit the Museum’s after school programming. The Haunted Museum will be open Oct. 20th -21st, 27th- 28th from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The maze will also be open on October 31 from 4-9 p.m.

The Museum will also be the site of the Pumpkin Patch, on Oct. 20th-21st, 27th-28th and on October 31 from 4-9 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to journey through the magical Pumpkin Patch. Other activities in the Pumpkin Patch will include crafts, face-painting and a holiday parade. Admission is $2 and children are encouraged to come in costume for this activity. For more information on these Museum activities, please visit their website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

An Albany tradition returns as the Governor’s Mansion hosts trick or treat time. Trick or treaters will be greeted by mansion staff on Halloween evening from 4-7 p.m.

OGS will host events beginning October 27th and run through October 31st. On Saturday, October 27th, a Family Halloween event will take place on the South Concourse of the Empire State Plaza from 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. This program features activities, music and magic for all ages. The schedule of events for the afternoon is as follows:

South Concourse - Story Maze

• The story of Sleepy Hollows guides guests through a fun maze with characters and scenes from the classic tale by Washington Irving.

South Performance Area – Halloween Magic and Marionettes

• Merdwyn the Mediocre will host two magic shows on stage, with a wandering performance to follow. The Poppy Town Puppets will present three special Halloween themed puppet and marionette shows.

• At the Bus Turn there will be Halloween crafts and treats featuring decorate and eat cookies, Jack-o-lantern creations and other activities. Music provided by B95.5.

• At the Center Concourse youngsters can have Halloween Photos taken. They can choose a costume from the treasure box and have a photo taken in a spooky Halloween scene.

Weekday activities include the following:

Lunchtime Entertainment in the Concourse: Oct. 29-31 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

• Monday – Ghost Stories, a reading and Q&A with David J. Pitkin.

• Tuesday – Mystic Faire featuring tarot card readings, psychic readings and angel readings.

• Wednesday – Halloween Follies, an inspired performance by theater troupe Steamer No.10. Interactive skits in the concourse.

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