Bombs away! Pumpkins will be falling from the sky at the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza in Westmont on Oct. 24 with.contestants hoisted 25 feet high on a cherry picker before dropping a pumpkin onto a target below.
“The spectacle of pumpkins smashing onto the ground should be entertaining to watch,” said Larry McIntyre, a village spokesman. “We will be judging on various things, including accuracy, styl, and maximum splatter.”
McIntyre said contestants will represent various service organizations, such as the Lions Club, and five village departments. The event will take place in the Cass-Burlington parking lot from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.and serves to bring awareness to a new pumpkin composting initiative in town.
The Farm, which sells locally-grown vegetables at 34 E. 63rd Street will be accepting unwanted and used pumpkins for composting from Nov. 2 to Nov. 6 between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. The farm will also accept pumpkins on Nov. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. All pumpkins must be clean and free of inorganic materials such as candles, decorations, etc.
Mary Gabryel, secretary of the Westmont Environmental Improvement Commission, came up with the idea after reading about pumpkin composting on a website that promotes recycling and composting.
“People often don’t know what to do with their pumpkins after Halloween,” Gabryel said. “This gives them the opportunity to compost them instead of just throwing them away in the trash.”
Several other events are scheduled for Oct. 24. The trick or treat trail, which is hosted by the Westmont Chamber of Commerce, offers a safe environment for kids to trick or treat at participating businesses in the downtown area. The sites will be clearly marked and offer treats as well as business specials. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
There also will be a haunted forest tour that day at Twin Lakes Woods, 200 W. 59th Street. Guests will take a haunted trek and hayride through the woods. Tickets are $6. For more information, contact the Westmont Park District at westmontparks.org or 630-963-5252.
Joseph Ruzich is a freelance reporter for the baiduhai.