Pumpkin Festival 2011 "Pumpkins Across America"History of the Morton Pumpkin Festival

In 1978 the Governor of Illinois signed a proclamation that Morton, Illinois was the "Pumpkin Capital of the World", since 85% of the world's canned pumpkin is processed in the then Libby's plant in our fine town.

Since the early 1900s Morton has had a Fall festival, sometimes a livestock and farming equipment showcase and later, a community fun event. In 1960 the Libby's plant moved from Eureka, Illinois to Morton to can pumpkins in the plant that had been canning corn.

In 1967, the first actual Pumpkin Festival was held.

For the last 45 years it has evolved with new things being added each year by volunteers stepping up and saying "Hey, I think we should have this or that and I am willing to head it up". This keeps it fresh and exciting for the people coming to festival for the first time or the fortieth. The dates for the festival are Sept. 14th - 17th. Week days it opens at 4 pm and Saturday breakfast starts at 6:30 am, with events and carnival going until midnight.

 

 

Ownership

In 1987 the plant was purchased by the Nestlé's/Carnation Company. Every year tons of pumpkin, which are grown exclusively for Nestles in a 150 mile radius of the plant are processed under the Libby's label. They continue to be a valuable part of the celebration by sponsoring the 10K race and donating pumpkin for all of the pumpkin treats served at the four day event.

Pumpkin chili, pumpkin pie, pumpkin ice cream, pumpkin donuts and pumpkin baked beans are just a few of the wonderful offerings.

This family friendly festival, operated by over 1800 volunteers, offers a merchant's tent, a kiddie parade, free entertainment, lots of wonderful food choices, a 10K run/5K fun walk, and carnival rides