11,000 pounds of giant pumpkins arrive at Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich

A shipment of giant 1,000-plus-pound pumpkins has arrived at Jack O’Lantern World in Lake Zurich, weighing over 11,000 pounds combined.

The shipment includes one of the world’s largest pumpkins weighed this year — a massive 2,212-pound pumpkin brought from Kansas.

Each giant pumpkin comes from a different specialty grower from across the Midwest. These pumpkins will be carved into some of the world’s largest jack-o’-lanterns, joining the more than 5,000 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns on display throughout October.

Visitors can explore a three-quarter-mile walking trail filled with art by over 50 artisan carvers, watch live pumpkin carving and participate in fall activities. Plus, there’s a beer garden serving Phase Three Brewing Co. products and food trucks Speedy Tacos and My Funnel Truck. One of this year’s highlights is the U.S. National Championship Pumpkin Weigh Off.

Jack O’Lantern World runs through Nov. 1 at Paulus Park in Lake Zurich. Park in the west lot only at 215 S. Rand Road. The east lot is only for accessible parking for seniors or expectant mothers. Use the cross walk to cross Route 12.

From 1-5 p.m. Saturdays, Oct. 10-24, there’s a daytime pumpkin patch and fun zone festival for families featuring photo ops, a food and beer garden, mini golf and giant inflatables.

Tickets run $14.99-$29.99. To sign up for a time slot, visit TheJackOLanternWorld.com. Lights turn off one hour after the last entry time.