Popular Pumpkin Flotilla Fest back this year

Glen Ellyn Park District's Pumpkin Flotilla Fest will return this weekend at Lake Ellyn Park.

The festival is set for 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 22, in the park at 645 Lenox Road. All activities, with the exception of the carve your own pumpkin station, are free.

"This is another great family-friendly event that gets everyone involved," said Jeannie Robinson, assistant superintendent of recreation services for the park district.

Fest activities will include bounce houses, trackless train rides, games, a craft project station, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, canoe rides, and entertainment with JeanieB! and the Jelly Beans.

The Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn will sell concessions.

Participants can choose to carve their own pumpkin at the event for $5; pumpkins and carving supplies will be provided.

"Their pumpkin could potentially be included in the Pumpkin Flotilla on the lake at dusk," Robinson said. "It's really cool to see the lit pumpkins floating on the lake when it gets dark."

Robinson said the inspiration for the fest came from an annual event in New York City's Central Park.

The park district received an overwhelmingly positive response after last year's inaugural celebration.

"There really isn't another event like this in our area," Robinson said. "The finale is amazing. The pumpkins are attached to a flotation device and are linked together with clips. We have a kayaker pull them through the water, creating a beautiful effect."

For information, visit gepark.org.