The second annual Festival of Fantasy, presented by Rockford Health Systems is a family friendly celebration of creativity which will take the fear out and put the fun back in Halloween.  The first 250 participants will receive goody bags with candy and coupons.  Prizes will be given out for best costumes, and fun activities will abound.

WHAT:  Second Annual Festival of Fantasy (family friendly Halloween event)

WHEN:  Saturday, Oct. 27.  Registration and costume judging 9:00-11:00 a.m., parade 11:30-12:00, awards 12:00-12:30 p.m.

WHERE:  Davis Park north lawn, corner of Wyman and Chestnut.  Parking is available in local surface parking lots.

WHY:  Kids no longer have the freedom to wander neighborhoods showing off their costume and collecting candy, so a new event was created last year to solve that problem.  Children ages 2-12 are urged to wear costumes, and please bring the family (a special award will be given to the family with the best costumes).  Activities include costume judging, costume parade, Billy The Balloon Guy twisting balloons, face painting, pumpkin carving demonstration, and musical entertainment by Rockford's own philanthropist, The Undertaker.  The Rockford Pipe Band also plans a special surprise.

DIVISIONS AND AWARDS:  Divisions are ages 2-5 (Jack and Jill O'Lantern Division), ages 6-10 (Ghosts-R-Us), and 11-12 (Spook-Tacular Division), plus new this year, Harry Potter and Star Wards Divisions.

The event thanks its many sponsors, including Rockford Health Systems, Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, and Rockford Area Arts Council.