Families search for a great pumpkin

Halloween is more than three weeks away, but South Elgin residents already were stocking up on pumpkins Saturday at the Fall Festival in County Park.

Pumpkins raised by local grower Mike Kenyon were the main attraction at the sixth-annual festival.

Families could pick out pumpkins for $1 or $2 each, with the proceeds going to the FUNdation, which helps disadvantaged kids participate in South Elgin Parks and Recreation programs.

"We just want them to be able to get a cheap pumpkin," Parks Supervisor Shane Hamilton said.

But more than just pumpkins drew an estimated 1,000 people to the event. It also offered hay rides, pony rides and a petting farm.

"It's a lot of fun for the kids -- the pony ride, the hay ride, pumpkins -- all good for a fall day," South Elgin resident Joe Hocking said.

Because of families like the Hockings, the festival would probably set a new fundraising record, Hamilton said.

"It's getting better and better every year," parks employee John Tyree said, crediting the cooperation of the event's organizers.

Saturday morning's Harvest Hustle helped the parks and recreation department reach its fundraising goals.

An estimated 200 people participated, running a 7K or walking two miles. Registration fees went toward the FUNdation.

Even though this year's pumpkin harvest was poor, there still were dozens of pumpkins left over. They will be donated to local youth organizations, Hamilton said.

People who attended the festival said the kids loved it.

"It's nice for the kids on a nice, beautiful, warm day," said South Elgin resident Christian Peterson, who brought his daughter.

Dan Mattson came all the way from Chicago to attend the festival and spend time with his niece, Peterson's daughter.

"She likes the llama, I can tell you that much," Mattson said.

The Hockings enjoyed the inexpensive pumpkins and the rides for the kids.

"The boys liked going in the emergency vehicles," Anne Marie Hocking said.