Posted on: October 4, 2017

If you missed the Glen Ellyn Park District’s Pumpkin Flotilla Fest last year, be sure to clear your calendar for the late afternoon of Sunday, October 22nd. From 4:00 – 7:00 pm, the Park District will once again host this hugely popular event for the community at Lake Ellyn Park (645 Lenox Road), which last year brought out upwards of 1,500 guests.

One great improvement over last year’s Fest is that this year all the activities, with the exception of the carve your own pumpkin station, are free!

“This is another great family-friendly event that gets everyone involved,” said Jeannie Robinson, Assistant Superintendent of Recreation Services for the Glen Ellyn Park District. “Activities will include bounce houses, trackless train rides, games, a craft project station, a professional pumpkin carving demonstration, canoe rides, and entertainment with JeanieB! and the Jelly Beans.” Food will be available for (cash) purchase from the Rotary Club of Glen Ellyn.

Participants can choose to carve their own pumpkin at the event for $5; pumpkins and carving supplies will be provided. “Their pumpkin could potentially be included in the Pumpkin Flotilla on the lake at dusk,” added Robinson. “It’s really cool to see the lit pumpkins floating on the lake when it gets dark. We organized this event based on something similar that takes place annually in New York City’s Central Park.”

The Park District received an overwhelmingly positive response after last year’s Fest. “There really isn’t another event like this in our area,” said Robinson. “The finale is amazing. The pumpkins are attached to a flotation device and are linked together with clips. We have a kayaker pull them through the water, creating a beautiful effect.”

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