Park Forest, IL—(ENEWSPF)— More than 2,000 pumpkins, dozens of activities, and one powerful mission to bring joy and learning to students and seniors alike defined Pumpkin Day in Matteson School District 162.
Now in its fifth year, the beloved fall celebration transformed the schoolyards of all six elementary schools into festive pumpkin patches on Friday, Oct. 24. With pony rides, petting zoos, pumpkin games, inflatable mazes, and themed lessons, the event blended fall fun with academics and community engagement.
Pumpkin Day festivities kicked off in energetic fashion at Indiana Elementary School in Park Forest. A student parade wound its way down the street in front of the school. Led by the Huth Middle School drumline, Indiana Principal Tracye Hutsona and Park Forest Mayor Joe Woods, the lively parade set the tone for a full day of celebration and community spirit.
“I am amazed at the effort put forth for Pumpkin Day and the beginning of the school year,” said Woods, as he stood on the grounds around Illinois School later in the morning, surveying the festivities.
“Bringing the world to our children is our calling as educators,” said Dr. Blondean Y. Davis, superintendent of Matteson School District 162. “Our Pumpkin Day is a way to delight our children and create a day of fun, learning, and memories.”
From a Pandemic Pivot to a Cherished Tradition
Pumpkin Day began in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Field trips to traditional pumpkin farms were canceled due to health concerns and school bus shortages. Rather than miss out, district leaders decided to bring the pumpkin patch to the students. The response was so overwhelmingly positive that Pumpkin Day became an annual tradition.
This year, more than 2,000 pumpkins were delivered to the schools and distributed to students throughout the district. Each school organized its own celebration. Every celebration included outdoor and indoor activities that tied into science, math, and language arts.
School Festivities Spark Joy and Learning
At Illinois Elementary School in Park Forest, a live country band played in the background. Students enjoyed a petting zoo, face painting, and a pumpkin patch. Nearby, students competed in hula hoop contests and explored an inflatable maze. A towering stilt walker greeted children in a scarecrow costume.
“There is a lot to do here,” said fifth grader Lauryn Crawford. “We have games and prizes.”
At Sauk Elementary School, students participated in an obstacle course, a scarecrow design contest, and a trunk-or-treat event. Students at Matteson Elementary enjoyed pony rides, a juggler, and interactive visits from Matteson Fire and EMS personnel.
At Richton Square School, even the youngest students joined the fun. Pre-K students painted pumpkins, visited with the local fire department, and engaged with community library partners.
Many of the day’s events were educational as well. At Arcadia Elementary, students not only enjoyed train rides and relay races but also conducted hands-on science experiments. They measured the circumference of their pumpkins, calculated volume, and predicted whether their pumpkins would sink or float in tubs of water. At Sauk, students guessed how many seeds were inside their pumpkins.
Giving Back to Older Friends
Nearly 20 students from O.W. Huth Junior High School, members of the National Junior Honor Society and Student Council, decorated 50 pumpkins by hand. They delivered them to the Shirley J. Green Senior Center in Park Forest. There, students joined seniors in a chair aerobics class, sharing laughs, smiles, and intergenerational joy.
“It gives our students a chance to not only be a part of Pumpkin Day but to participate in community service,” said Huth Principal Brenda Lacey. “And it brings the joy of Pumpkin Day to seniors in our community.”
The exchange left a lasting impression on the older people.
“They give us seniors a little more energy to do what we’re doing,” said Patricia George, a senior who took part in the exercise class.
Mayme Buckley, Director of Senior Services for Rich Township, praised the connection.
“They were so excited,” Buckley said of the older participants. “They got to choose which pumpkins they wanted. It just brings a lot of joy and adds to the senior experience here.”
A Celebration of Community and Connection
From train whistles and laughter on school playgrounds to interactions between teens and seniors, Pumpkin Day showcased the district’s commitment to cultivating not just academic excellence but community connection.
“Pumpkin Day has become a symbol of celebration, connection and kindness,” said Dr. Davis. “It brings together students, staff, our families, and community through the simple joy of pumpkins.”
This is news from School District 162.
