(Photo courtesy of Highwood Chamber of Commerce)
More than 14 years ago, Highwood, a slightly over a square mile northeastern suburb of Chicago, decided to challenge Keene, NH’s record of most jack-o-lanterns displayed (30,581). BTW, a jack-o-lantern is a carved pumpkin.
I haven’t heard of any time since then that Highwood hit the record, but the town, actually a city, is continuing to fight for that achievement with its 14th annual “Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest,” Oct. 4-6.
Despite all the skeletons around town that will be seen in October, the fest is a very family friendly event that includes “all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations” and three days of live music from three stages. Plus, there will be children’s and pet costume contests and pumpkin pie eating contests, food and artisan vendors, a carnival and hayrides.
What to expect: Highwood will be turned into Pumpkin Town USA beginning Seto 28 and will cover the grounds at Highwood City Hall (17 Highwood Avenue), Everts Park (111 North Avenue), Painters Park (420-424 Sheridan Road) and the Highwood Metra Station Parking Lot where the carnival will be on site.
Also, expect street closures on Green Bay Road from North Avenue to Highwood Avenue, and on Highwood Avenue from Green Bay Road to Waukegan Avenue where vendors and the Great Pumpkin Walls will be.
Music stages will be at North Avenue and Green Bay, the Bandshell in Everts Park and the School of Rock Stage in Painters Park. Pumpkin Town USA will be at the center of Everts Park.
In addition, expect many camera stops as visitors shoot skeleton scenes from Superhero movies and skeletons just posing.
“The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest put Highwood on the map and it’s the perfect kick-off to Fall after our summer series of events,” says Eric Falberg, President of Celebrate Highwood. “This year, we are proving to the world why Illinois is The Great Pumpkin (pie) State by attempting to break the Guinness World Records for the longest line of (pumpkin) pies,” says Falberg.
(Photo courtesy of the Chicago Botanic Garden)
Called the “Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns” the Chicago Botanic Garden will hold this popular (sold out last year) event on Oct 16-20 and Oct. 23-27, 2024 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m.
What to expect: Scary or funny or just plain creative, pumpkins will be gazing back as visitors gaze at their faces carved as album covers, eerie cartoons and Día de los Muertos tributes.
Also look for pumpkin-carving demos, entertainers in costume, glow-in-the-dark tattoos for kids and light food and drinks available to purchase.
Jodie Jacobs
