Every September, some 75,000 locals, visitors and central Illinois expatriates descend upon Morton to celebrate the beginning of the pumpkin harvest and canning season at the Morton Pumpkin Festival.
Here in the “Pumpkin Capital of the World”—home to Libby’s, the world’s largest pumpkin plant—the family-friendly fun encompasses a kiddie parade, carnival rides, live music and entertainment, games and events like the Pumpkin Classic Run and Walk, and of course, a wide range of delectable, pumpkin-infused delicacies. The annual event brings the entire community together, with more than 30 special events organized by a whopping 2,000 volunteers. mortonpumpkinfestival.org