A Monster Smash

Arboretum’s Thrilling, Popular “Trick Or Trees” Opened To All

LISLE, IL (October 21, 2008) – Impatient goblins wait no more!

For the first time ever, the general public is allowed to join the special fun of “Trick or Trees” at The Morton Arboretum, a full week before Halloween, October 25 and 26, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. It’s just about the best fall party around–a spook-tacular that will create memories for years to come!

“We’re excited to open this event to everyone. Trick or Trees provides a fun and safe opportunity for children and parents to enjoy an incredible Halloween celebration amid the magnificent Arboretum trees while savoring delicious ‘treets’,” says Arboretum Assistant Director of Membership, Karin Jaros.

Bewitching experiences include live music, games, storytelling, professional actors’ performances, a magic act, juggling, crafts, “skulls and furs,” free cider, popcorn, and of course, lots and lots of mouth-watering candy!

Ghouls and goblins are encouraged to wear their scariest costumes and grab some scrumptious “treets” by approaching the strolling “Candy Bar People,” saying “trick or ‘treet’,” and receiving luscious sweets (bring your own “treet” bag). Virtually the whole celebration is held under tents, so dastardly weather should not frighten you off!

Kids of all ages will enjoy “Monster Smash,” a Halloween-themed beanbag toss. Similarly, there will also be “Ghost Toss,” “Spider Ring Toss,” and “Boo Buckets.” In “Plant Trees Corn Toss,” kids throw an acorn-shaped beanbag through a hole to “plant” the acorn. With “Pumpkin Golf,” guests try to putt out through a miniature pumpkin patch. Even Bingo is played with a nature twist. Best of all, everyone who plays a game, wins a prize!

It’s more fun than scary to watch professional actors present famous fairy tales from The Brothers Grimm, prior to heading out for a spooky walk and a mini-play about a tree. An award-winning illusionist will have guests gasping with his amazing magic. Or, there’s The Wonderful Wacky Juggler, and a storyteller delivering chilling tales! Mike Offut’s Tall Tales and Kitchen Band will call kids onstage to join the music-making–each gets a horn, drum or washboard to play along with Mike.

Children make creatures in creepy crafts such as “Tootsie Pop Ghost,” or even “Hand Print Bats.” They can make decorations out of Indian corn or make leaf rubbings, even pick a free pumpkin from a pumpkin patch (while supplies last).

Forget the phony skeletons you usually see around Halloween. Ever held a real animal skull in your hand? Feel a skull or real animal fur, courtesy of the Cosley Zoo and its display that provides a fun, but educational side of Halloween.

Visitors should bring their own cameras and capture their memories by snapping photos of their little ghosts and goblins in either of two specially-decorated photo areas.
All this fun occurs against the backdrop of the Arboretum’s annual Fall Color Festival. Visitors can take a trip around the Scarecrow Trail and vote for their favorite among 35 creations made by local Girl Scout troops. There is “Pumpkin Play” in the Children’s Garden, where kids decorate a pumpkin (available for purchase), wine tastings, taffy apples and other mouth-watering delights, an African violet show and sale, and fall garden accents for sale. For an additional charge, the Arboretum presents an outdoor play, Dracula, the “Theatre-Hike” in which a scene is presented in one area, and then audience and cast hikes to a second location for the next scene, and the process repeats. Saturday’s show is at 1 p.m.; Sunday’s show at 3 p.m., and prices are $13-$22. Not recommended for children under age 8. Purchase tickets for a Theatre-Hike at the Visitor Center, at 630-725-2066, or www.mortonarb.org.

Tickets for Trick or Trees are $6 for adults or children, and non-members are subject to normal gate fees as well. Purchase tickets at the Visitor Center, at 630-725-2066, or for members only via www.mortonarb.org. Guests can pick-up tickets at will call the day of the event.

The Morton Arboretum is an internationally recognized 1,700-acre outdoor museum with collections of 4,117 kinds of trees, shrubs, and other plants from around the world. The Arboretum's beautiful natural landscapes, gardens, research and education programs, and year-round family activities support its mission – the planting and conservation of trees and other plants for a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world. Conveniently located at I-88 and Rte. 53 in Lisle, Illinois, the Arboretum is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Time or sunset, whichever is earlier. The Children's Garden is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., March through October, and 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., November through February. Visit www.mortonarb.org, click About, and then Press Room, or call to learn more.

Media Contacts:    Gina Tedesco, 630-725-2103, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Nicholle Heffern, 630-719-5768, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it