It is almost here... and I cannot wait. The anticipation feels a little like Christmas in Morton, IL. The children have been counting the days. Parents have a plan for extra expenses that come with the festival, and figure out a way to make it all work. Our little community comes together (Morton & Groveland) with the power of volunteerism and a Chamber of Commerce that performs small miracles getting everything ready and keeping it running.
Some joke it is Morton's World's Fair, but in truth, people have come from around the world to be a part of the celebration. They come for the pumpkin ice cream, the pumpkin donuts, the pumpkin chili, and so many other special festival related favorites.
CBS did a spot on their Sunday Morning show and it was exciting to see so many familiar faces, including the ones cutting the ribbon (next door neighbor Jim Ackerman & Dave Neuhauser (church family and Walker's birthday buddy) and making the chili (Joe Sander & Troy Teater). I need to rewatch it, as I missed some faces the first time or two through the video.
The video shows the love for "all things pumpkin" here in Morton, but it shows more. The young ladies interviewed were delightful. I giggled at their word choice when asked if there was anything they didn't like... and they used "vile" to describe the smell that comes with the rotting pumpkin carcasses when Nestle/Libby's is finished with them. It is a temporary smell, but for a time when the wind is right... "vile" is a kind word for the aroma.
I still remember Walker saying he rolled down the window to take in the "pumpkin stink" when he came home for the festival his first year away at college. Allison Vastine and I talked about it, too. That aroma is associated with so many happy, fun, and fabulous memories, it becomes easy to overlook it.
The more pleasant scents are elephant ears, corn dogs, pork chops, brats, and rib eye on the Pumpkin Grill. It is the best of carnival foods, rides, and games. The parade is always long and filled with reminders of the people, business, and churches in our neighborhood. How early is too early to put out your parade chairs?
Jefferson School (K-6th) has a front row seat and it amazes me that they can get any learning accomplished in the festival chaos, but they do. Most Jefferson teachers weave pumpkins and the festival into whatever they are teaching that week. They are proud to have the festival on school grounds.
My verse of the day was perfect:
"Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble." -1 Peter 3:8
We will all be burning the candle on both ends this week and worth every minute of lost sleep as we try to fit it all in. Remember to be kind and forgiving.
In three more wake ups... it is Uncle Bud's Apple Cider Slushie Day!!! A slushie a day until the festival goes away and sometimes two on Saturday. (This is my personal obsession... although I love pumpkin.)
Today, I am grateful for Pumpkin Festival Week.
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