Briefs: Photos for toys

Studio West Photography in downtown Libertyville will host its first Toys for Tots drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, Oct. 31. The promotion coincides with MainStreet Libertyville's trick-or-treat event. Children who stop by Studio West, 512 N. Milwaukee Ave., will receive a complimentary portrait in exchange for a new toy or $5 donation. The studio will be decorated in a fall harvest pumpkin patch motif. Toys for Tots is a U.S. Marine Corps Reserve program to collect new, unwrapped toys to be distributed to needed children.

Mundelein to hold first pumpkin drop

Go monster green after Halloween and compost pumpkins at the Mundelein Park District's new free pumpkin drop from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1, at the Mundelein Community Center, 1401 N. Midlothian Road. All ages are invited to drop pumpkins down the sled hill to see how fast they go. Then, meet with park district staff to learn about composting and helping the environment and join the cleanup. Registration is requested and can be done by calling (847) 566-0650.

Smash your pumpkins at Great America

Six Flags Great America is asking people to bring their used pumpkins to the theme park on Saturday, Nov. 1, and smash them in exchange for prizes. People will throw their pumpkin at a target set up in Hometown Square. If the pumpkin hits the target, they will receive a handful of coupons including the chance to get to the front of the line on certain rides. In addition, the theme park will be offering admission for $19.99 per person, while the band "Blackbox" will be performing shows at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. The smashing pumpkin event will take place at 3:30 p.m. For more information check out the theme park Web site at sftp.com/greatamerica/index.