Morton Pumpkin Festival — Local services in Morton

The Morton Pumpkin Festival is one of my favorite small-town festivals. I grew up in central Illinois, and this event has always been a highlight when growing up here. Now that I live farther away, I still make it a point to come back every 2–3 years—and I always plan my trip around festival time.

Morton truly earns its title as the Pumpkin Capital of the World. Just outside the downtown, the Nestlé/Libby’s plant processes around 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin, and when festival time comes around, the entire town embraces the celebration.

The festival grounds are set right in the heart of Morton, and the food alone makes the visit worth it. From everything made with pumpkin, the pies, donuts, cupcakes, and cookies to the pumpkin pancakes at the famous breakfast tent—there’s no shortage of pumpkin treats. Add in local favorites like pork chops and sausage sandwiches, and you’ll never go hungry.

The atmosphere is classic small-town Americana. Kids enjoy the carnival rides and games, while adults gather at the American Legion Beer Tent. Saturday is the big day, starting with the 5K/10K run and ending with a parade filled with marching bands, fire trucks, farm equipment, local leaders, and community groups.

What makes this festival special is the sense of tradition and community pride. The sound of marching bands practicing, the smell of pumpkin desserts in the air, and families coming together year after year—it all creates an unforgettable experience.

If you’re ever in central Illinois in September, you don’t want to miss the Morton Pumpkin Festival. It’s a true celebration of growing up in a small-town, with Midwest hospitality, and, of course,...

I’m 14 and i’ve gone to the pumpkin festival every single year of my life. These last couple of years, the festival hasn’t quite been the same. It’s $4.00 for 1 ticket. $35.00 for 10. $8.00 for a lemon shake up. The prices are absolutely insane it almost takes the fun away from it. This year, the lines have to be like, an hour to an hour and a half each for two minutes of fun. I feel like the amount of people there this year just stresses everyone out more and more. It should be rearranged a tiny bit to where it’s easier to get around. It feels like i’m in a pit of people with how clogged up it can get but of course, nostalgia always wins. I adore the pumpkin festival with everything I am but please! For the sake of everyone’s well beings, rearrange the...

Extremely disappointed with the prices. $10 for a cheeseburger & small bottle of water. Cheeseburger was horrible with no flavor and was smaller than a dollar menu cheeseburger at McDonald's. $5 for a large slushie that is truly a size small Styrofoam cup. Most condiment tables were extremely filthy & unsanitary, no hair nets or gloves being worn at most food booths...$37 for 10 tickets & $4 per ticket if you don't do the 10 ticket deal. Almost all of the rides were 2 tickets a pop & you barely get time on them. Morton Pumpkin Fest should honestly be ashamed of themselves...Do better for the...