Halloween Fun in Chicago

The spirit of Halloween has taken over the city of Chicago. For most children, going to the pumpkin patch to pick out their picture perfect pumpkin is an exciting adventure. Imagine them wading through the fields on a crisp afternoon taking in the delightful smells of autumn, frolicking up and down the pumpkiny rows, weaving in and out of the festive obstacles. Afterwards, the magical orange treasures are taken home and prepared for a season of spookiness.

What a magical day. What a magical idea. You’re suddenly inspired to make the trip this weekend. There’s just one problem. Where are the pumpkins in Chicago??

According to the 2000 Census, children of the carving age comprise nearly 25 percent of the city’s population. Those under the age of 14, account for 643,336 people.

Aside from harvesting gourds from the florescent-lit aisles of the neighborhood Jewel, there are many convenient options for the tradition-seeking urban parent.

When city dwellers can’t make it to the country, the country will bring the seasonal fun to the city. Parking lot pumpkin patches are scattered throughout the downtown area this time of year. Rows and tables of gourds line the manmade aisles with various country produce scattered throughout the block. Corn husks and Indian corn are a few other farm-like accents that can make any balcony feel like a festive porch.

Jose Martinez is just one of those bringing Halloween to downtown Chicago. “It’s always nice to see how excited kids get,” Martinez said. He has worked at the lot on the corner of Lasalle and Chicago Avenue for the past two years.

Framed in decorative string lights, the former parking lot looks more like a country ho-down than temporary real estate. Patrick Wheeler, 6, from the Gold Coast appreciated the wide selection. “There must be a million punkins’ here!”

“I’m gonna get the biggest one I can,” he said with a big jack-o-lantern grin. Patrick eventually settles on a chubby orange pumpkin with a long green stem. His selection is twice as large as his head.

If you’re looking for more of an interactive outing, check out the City’s “Chicagoween Festival,” running now through the end of October. Located in Daley Plaza, the festival includes a spooky haunted village, mystical magicians, colorful storytelling, and of course, pumpkin carving. The kids can carve complementary pumpkins from 11-8 Saturday and Sunday, while you enjoy Halloween “Chicago style,” for free.

Another tradition rich option is the Maxwell Street Market. Purchasing your pumpkins from Chicago’s oldest outdoor market, allows you and your family to partake in old traditions while creating your own. At the corner of Roosevelt and Canal Street you can find pumpkins for purchase every Sunday in October. During the last two Sundays of the month, from 9-1, there will be a free decoration station for kids to adorn their pumpkins with glitter, cutouts, and paint.

If you’re still itching for an ultimately authentic Halloween experience, it is well worth the trip to Bolingbrook to visit Johansen Farms and Children’s Zoo, 710 W. Boughton Rd. Now through the end of October, your whole family can enjoy seasonal events and attractions. After selecting from over 25,000 pumpkins, be sure to hop on a hay ride, slide down the two story air-slide and glide through the “amazing corn maze.” The price of the pumpkins depends on the weight, charging 38 cents per pound. Open daily from 9-7 Johansen Farms also has a petting zoo with over 500 animals, featuring pony rides, Goat Mountain and the rabbit hotel. Admission includes unlimited access for $7 per person on weekdays and $8 on weekends, children 23 months and younger get in free. For money saving coupons and directions visit www.johansenfarms.com.
Even though many downtown residents reside in high-rises and apartment complexes, it doesn’t mean that we can’t celebrate Halloween without a little festive flair, “Chicago style.”