It's Pumpkin Weekends at Blackberry Farm

Blackberry Farm will celebrate the fall season throughout October with its popular Pumpkin Weekends.

Each weekend, and Columbus Day, Oct. 13, Blackberry Farm will be decorated in the spirit of pumpkin season. A picnic area will feature an assortment of pumpkins for purchase, and a decorating station with painting supplies is provided.

Carousel rides, hay wagon rides, pony rides, paddle boats, a pedal tractor course and tours on the "Pumpkin Train" also are part of each weekend's festivities, along with the historic museums and interactive farm animal areas. Park hours are 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily and 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Columbus Day, with regular admission rates for residents and nonresidents.

Another popular attraction is the new Adventure Playground, an innovative play area featuring climbing decks, slides, ropes and catwalk-style bridges connecting an array of playhouses on multiple levels and a 70-foot zip-line.

"Pumpkin Weekends originated as a fall festival day, but it was so popular that we expanded it to include every weekend," said Sandie Gilmer, facility supervisor at Blackberry Farm. "This is such a fun time of year that we want to make the season last just a little longer."

A magic show will be featured Oct. 18, with the Trick-or-Treat Walk and Costume Contest on Oct. 25.

For more information on Pumpkin Weekends, call Blackberry Farm at (630) 892-1550 or visit www.foxvalleyparkdistrict.org.