In an epic battle at Terrace Hill, a very young Peter Pan squared off against Captain Hook during the third annual Spring Fling.

The Spring Fling, a part of Iowa Stories 2001, was held to promote literacy for children. Since this year’s theme was the book “Peter Pan,” the governor’s mansion was magically transformed into Never Land.

Peter Pan would be victorious after he received his fencing lesson with Patricia Hampton, a three-year fencing instructor, in the Mermaid Lagoon.

She said the theme of the event held a special place in her heart.

“Peter Pan was a book from my childhood that affected my life and it is a wonderful coincidence that Peter Pan is the theme of the day,” Hampton said.

She said it was terrific to have a chance to promote fencing and literacy at the same time.

“I consider myself a lifetime learner and one of the best ways to learn is through reading,” Hampton said.

The day showcased storytellers, rides, fencing lessons, Native American tribal dancers and many people dressed up as the characters from the childhood tale, Peter Pan.

Gov. Tom Vilsack showed off his green crocodile scales while First Lady Christie Vilsack sprinkled fairy dust dressed as Tinkerbell.

“It is kind of fun dressing up every year, you never really know what to expect,” Gov. Vilsack said.

He was very friendly with the children during the day, although some were a little apprehensive about the crocodile.

“I would much rather have peanut butter and jelly or Captain Hook than you,” Vilsack said reassuring a child he was not going to eat her.

He said the reading program has been a fun event during the last three years. The last two themes were “The Wizard of Oz” and “Alice in Wonderland.”

“This is an ever increasing activity,” Vilsack said. “The first year we started out with a small group and it has gotten bigger each year.”

He said the Spring Fling is also an opportunity to let people become familiar with Terrace Hill.

“The turnout shows how the people of Iowa care about storytelling and literacy,” he said.

Tobie Walter, dressed as a mermaid, said she was pleased with the number of children visiting Iowa’s version of Never Land.

“This is a wonderful day and I am so happy that so many people came to the event to celebrate literacy,” Walter said.

She said the event is an excellent chance to promote Christie Vilsack’s literacy program.

“They are really getting involved with the storytelling, rides and many other wonderful activities,” Walter said.

She said the important part of the day is that the kids are having fun with literacy.

“Hopefully the kids will go home and read a book or maybe they will watch `Peter Pan,'” Walter said.