That was the theme of the 59th annual Morton Pumpkin Festival, the Tazewell County town’s celebration of the area’s prime agricultural product. The event had a special significance this year as it marked the 100th anniversary of the community’s Nestle Libby’s pumpkin canning plant.
“Being born and raised in Morton, I can tell you we are very proud of our pumpkin heritage,” said State Representative Bill Hauter who represents Morton and the surrounding area. “Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois generally and in my district specifically, with pumpkin production playing a huge role. We are proud to be the pumpkin capital of the world!”