Morton, Illinois, The Pumpkin Capitol of the world, is hosting its annual Pumpkin Fest this year from September 10th to the 13th. However, activities like tennis, pickle ball, and fishing tournaments start as early as the 5th. In fact, residents and visitors can already smell pumpkins in the air!
The Pumpkin Fest takes lots of preparation and planning, as the festival is in the heart and center of Morton. The Festival’s committee is very dedicated to hosting an incredible event for the community, but also accommodating for the struggles local businesses may go through. Keri Gillette, the Event Manager for the Fest, talked about how businesses are affected. She says that while most businesses are positively impacted by the influx of people in town during the Pumpkin Festival, the town recognizes that some may be negatively impacted for the same reasons. “The Chamber speaks with the downtown businesses to learn about what is the biggest struggle they face during the festival and then work with them to try and find a good solution to those problems” Gillette stated. She does, however, still mention how most local businesses are very understanding and supportive of the festival.
The activities and events at the Pumpkin Festival are highlighted every year, as they are especially unique and require participants to be creative as well as competitive. Traditions such as carnival rides, pageants, foam parties, and much more are what Gillette says, “makes autumn special!” Vendors are also available during the festival and visitors can often find traditional carnival food while spinning through. One of the festivals most missed traditions by Event Manager Keri Gillette is the Punkin Chuckin event. This event brings minds and competitive spirits together in many ways. The goal of it was to bring people together to try and create the best catapult to hurl pumpkins as far as possible. This brings agriculture and engineering together to give people a fun and different way to be apart and included in this amazing festival. Gillette’s favorite activity to do at the Pumpkin Festival is to watch her kids enjoy it. Regarding the best culinary options, she stated that she loves to have the Apple Cider Slush and Pumpkin Chilli.
The Morton Pumpkin Festival officially starts on Friday, September 5th with the Fest’s Pumpkin Tennis Open, at Joal Stanfield Tennis Complex. Each day adds more fun, as September 6th will hold the Fishing Derby, Pickleball Tournament, and a Pumpkin Pedal in addition to the tennis open.
September 9th:
Pumpkin Decorating
Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Big Wheel Race
September 10th:
Pumpkin Store Opens
Family Fun Patch / Local Spotlight
Carnival Rides and Midway Open
Pumpkin Grill Open & Pumpkin Sweet Shop Open
Official Opening Ceremony
MHS Singing Groups
Pumpkin Princess Pageant
Now & Zen Performance
September 11th:
Pumpkin Drive-Thru Open: Donuts & Scones Only
Senior Appreciation
Afternoon with Pumpkin Bingo
Free Pie for Seniors
Pumpkin Store Open
Carnival Rides and Midway Open
Pumpkin Drive-Thru Open
Family Fun Patch / Local Spotlight
Steve Hargis
Pumpkin Grill Open & Pumpkin Sweet Shop Open
Character Meet & Greet
Announcement of Event Winners / Award Presentations
Pumpkin Glow Foam Party
Ray’s Rockets
September 12th:
Pumpkin Drive-Thru Open: Donuts & Scones Only
Pumpkin Drive-Thru Open
Pumpkin Grill Open
Pumpkin Sweet Shop Open
Family Fun Patch / Local Spotlight
Pumpkin Store Open
Carnival Rides and Midway Open
Art & Craft Market Open
JaM Acoustic
Pumpkin Classic Packet Pick Up
Voices of Morton
The Fortunate Sons
September 13th:
Pumpkin Drive Thru Open, Donut’s & Scone’s Only
Pumpkin Pancake Breakfast
Pumpkin Sweet Shop Open
Pumpkin Classic 10K/2Mile Run/Walk Begins
Art & Craft Market Open
Pumpkin Festival Parade
Pumpkin Drive-Thru Open
Carnival Rides and Midway Open
Pumpkin Store Open
Family Fun Patch / Local Spotlight
Pumpkin Sweet Shop Open
Pumpkin Grill Open
Pumpkin Pie Eating Contest
Captivation Dance
See https://www.mortonpumpkinfestival.org/scheduleofevents for specific times and details.
One of the festival’s most anticipated activities by people all over is the amazing food it has to offer. Many different treats, snacks, and foods are offered in a special pumpkin flavor at this festival. Morton offers things such as pies, bars, donuts, slushies, ciders, scones, ice cream, and much more in special fall flavors, especially pumpkin. They have even offered a pumpkin drive through. This drive through includes pumpkin cookies, ice cream, scones, bars, donuts, and pies as well as sandwiches and chips. They also offer a special pumpkin grill with many traditional American dishes having a pumpkin twist to them. One of the many special foods that stands as a fan-favorite is a pumpkin chili! They also offer normal sandwiches and many other pumpkin desserts. Many attendees of the Pumpkin Fest enjoy the pumpkin sweet shop. These fun pumpkin desserts are offered in all different and fun ways. Many different people from all over look forward to these sweet treats as the perfect way to kick off fall with your favorite pumpkin flavored treat. All of the information about where and when to find these sweet treats can be found on https://www.mortonpumpkinfestival.org.