Each year thousands of fall and pumpkin enthusiasts gather in Morton, IL to celebrate with the annual Morton Pumpkin festival.
Pumpkin, pumpkin, eat all the squash!
By Jenny Sharron
As the fall season is quickly approaching the citizens of Morton gather in celebration of the orange vegetable that is a staple in the season. For Morton residents, pumpkins are more than just a decoration for the Halloween holiday. Pumpkins are a large factor in the town’s economy.
Morton is home of Libby’s canned pumpkin factory which produces 85 percent of the company’s product. Each year, thousands of pumpkins are trucked in and processed into the delicious main ingredient found in many pies, cookies, and other baked goods.
The first pumpkin celebration occurred in 1967. The Morton Chamber of Commerce organized the event to serve as an annual fundraiser as well has to celebrate the kick off of harvest and canning season for Libby’s.
Morton was given the title of “Pumpkin Capital of the World” by Governor Thompson in 1978.
Starting in 1973, the festival was given themes including “We’re Off To See The Pumpkin”, “Pumpkin go Prehistoric”, and this year’s theme, “Pumpkin Carnivale.”
“The mission of the Morton Pumpkin Festival is to generate resources that allow the Morton Chamber of Commerce to fulfill our mission to strengthen business and enhance community,” Chamber of Commerce website stated, “at a superior level, through the implantation of a unique event that builds a sense of community among the people who live and work in Morton.”
Each year the festival welcomes an estimated 70,000 visitors. The festival also relies heavily on the help of 2000 volunteers and locals to run things smoothly.
It’s not too late to get into the pumpkin celebration. On October 19, the town of Morton will be hosting its annual Punkin Chucking Contest. Due to land use issues, the contest will only be one day this year.
If you would like to learn more about the Morton Pumpkin Festival or the volunteer opportunities available go to www.mortonpumpkinfestival.org/festival-volunteering for more information.
2013 Morton Pumpkin Festival
A brief video covering the 2013 Morton Pumpkin Festival and festival attendees.