Giant pumpkins at The Growing Place to benefit Wayside Cross

SEPT. 29, 2015 - Pumpkin PALOOZA returns to The Growing Place in Aurora on Oct. 10-11, 2015. "Pumpkin PALOOZA is the celebration of all things pumpkin. This year we are decorating two extra large pumpkins and visitors can vote for their favorite," explains Carol Massat, co-owner of The Growing Place. "For every vote the pumpkins receive we will donate $1 to Wayside Cross Ministries."

"Wayside Cross Ministries is a wonderful organization that provides shelter, counseling, education and aid to men, women, youth and children in the greater Chicagoland area," says Massat. "We will also be donating the proceeds from the hayrides."

The pumpkin centered weekend will be filled will a literal ton of activities. From a pumpkin bounce house and hayrides to pumpkin decorating to pumpkin launching and face painting. Children can paint a pumpkin, create a pumpkin critter or make a pumpkin race car. Adults and older children can create an elegant pumpkin stuffed with succulents and dried materials between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Visitors will enjoy sweet treats from Dick's Mini Donuts on Saturday, savory treats from Heavenly Hot Dogs Saturday and Sunday and an interactive music show with Dona Benkert on Saturday and Sunday from 1 to 4 p.m. Plus, sample delicious pumpkin recipes from Chef Tom Moskos of The Art of Good Eating between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Sunday. For the full schedule of events, visit thegrowingplace.com.

The Growing Place, Aurora is located at 2000 Montgomery Road, two blocks north of Ogden Avenue. If traveling from the east it's 10 minutes west of the Fox Valley Westfield Shopping Town via Ogden Ave. If traveling from the west it is located 5 minutes east of the Route 34/Route 30 intersection via Route 34. The festival hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. For information, visit thegrowingplace.com or call (630) 355-4000.