Seasonal puns have always been my downFall. I’m sorry, I’m just autumn-atically awFall at them.
Since its inception in 1967, the Morton Pumpkin Festival has transformed from a local fundraiser to an event that draws in statewide visitors. Eighty-five percent of the world’s canned pumpkins are processed at the local Libby’s Pumpkin plant, labeling Morton the “Pumpkin Capital of the World.”
The Morton Chamber of Commerce undergoes a lengthy process to select the yearly theme, and the winner for 2015 is “Pumpkins of the Caribbean.” Many of the contests incorporate costumes and music that correspond to the theme, and there are plenty of activities for people of all ages.
Morton dedicated an entire week to celebrate, with preliminary events starting Sept. 12. Don’t worry; the main events are today and tomorrow when you can soak up pumpkin fun from as early as 6:30 a.m. Saturday until the festival closes at 9 p.m.
There is not one, but two parades where spectators are asked to wear orange and recite the official Pumpkin Festival oath. The carnival rides seem above average compared to other towns of similar populations. The craft faire features over 150 vendors, so there is sure to be some hidden gems and unique items.
Additionally, it is free to participate in bingo, a big draw for poor college kids and the elderly alike. The pumpkin-decorating contest also involves a freebie pumpkin from Ackerman Farms. If it’s free, it’s for me!
Above all else, go for the food. On top of the traditional carnival foods such as corn dogs, funnel cakes and lemon shake-ups, there are the best apple cider slushies in the Midwest and a Grille and Sweet Shoppe featuring menus with every pumpkinesque food you could imagine.
The Pumpkin Pie Eating Competition is a fan favorite, with three different age brackets competing for gold (or should I say embarrassment). Personally, I will never understand the rationale of Americans who enjoy hardly tasting the delicious food they are stuffing into their mouths, with the only consolation prize being the smeared remnants on their faces.
Some of the events that don’t seem as appealing include the Business Expo, the Art and Photography shows, Pumpkin Idol, Pumpkin weigh-off (unless you are easily impressed by seeing a rather obtuse pumpkin) and the Morton Pumpkin Classic 10K Run and 2 Mile Walk. If you enjoy running, participate in the Hilltop Trot instead, while only exerting half of the effort in Bradley’s 5K.
The festival donates thousands of dollars every year to local non-profit organizations in order to strengthen the community. So, do the right thing and get off campus to join Morton in commemorating the beginning of the harvest season.
