The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

History

The City of Highwood, IL (just outside of Chicago) is hosting the Fall Festival kick-off of the season, the 8th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival (October 6-8!) They will once again try to beat the Guinness World Record of 30,581 for most jack-o'-lanterns carved and lit at the same time and it's always an amazing event and a sight to behold! All proceeds go to Make-A-Wish Illinois and each night, a Make-A-Wish family lights the grand walls and represents the organization. Last year's facts and figures: 23,462 pumpkins carved and lit at once More than 70,000 attendees over 3 days 700 volunteers came together to make it happen $60,000 raised for Make-A-Wish Illinois. 1 world renowned pumpkin carver, carving amazing gourds onsite, including Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump themed creations 20 different musical acts on 2 stages

Specialties

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest will boast fan favorites including all you can carve pumpkins, Trick or Treating, Costume Contests, Pumpkin Parade, hay rides, pony rides, petting zoo, carnival rides, kids crafts, two stages jam packed with solid entertainment, food and beverage vendors galore and a Superhero 5K Pumpkin Run/Walk! As always, all lit jack-o-lanterns will be placed on pumpkin walls throughout the Festival grounds, with ceremonial wall lightings Friday and Saturday nights, and the grand lighting on Sunday evening.