Governor's mansion place to be this Halloween

Heads are going to roll this Halloween at the Governor's Mansion.

A magic show is one of the highlights planned to entertain the expected crowd of several thousand children. One of the tricks up illusionist Eli Kerr's sleeve is an imaginary beheading. Also on tap is a mock 'witch trial' and fire swallowing.

Helen Wiemer, Mansion managing coordinator, says this year's setup will "scare the daylights out of them."

She has spent the last few months putting the touches on tombstones on the front lawn, knights in shining armor and a stuffed dummy to get the right effect.

"We had 2,800 kids last year," Wiemer said. "They lined up all the way down Robinson Street so we have attractions to make it worth their wait."

Along with Kerr, Circus Circus's Cannolli the clown will please the crowd. "Vince and Larry" the Nevada Highway Patrol test crash dummies will teach children about buckling up - and maybe get a few laughs along the way.

Of course Gov. Kenny Guinn and first lady Dema will be putting on their own show.

Last year, the pair did their parts to jump from the shadows and give visiting children a scare. At the time Dema Guinn made the decoration and shows a monumental production. This year will prove to be bigger, Wiemer said.

"It takes an ordinary evening and makes it special," she said. "It's a nice tradition that the children look forward to all year."

Local merchants helped out on the candy bill. This year, hundreds of pounds of candy will be handed out.

Children come from as far away as Reno and Dayton to rub shoulders - and get spooked by - the governor and first lady on Halloween night.

Festivities begin at sundown and last until about 8:30 p.m.