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Neighbor News

7th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Fest Raises $60,000 for Make-A-Wish IL

More than 70,000 people came out to carve and help turn pumpkins into wishes for Illinois children with life threatening medical conditions.

The City of Highwood proudly partnered with Make-A-Wish Illinois for an amazing 7th Annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival October 7-9, 2016, and raised more than $60,000 (after expenses) to grant 10 full wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions in Illinois.

"We were so thrilled to be a part of the 7th annual Pumpkin Fest," says Ashley White, Gift Officer-Community Programs at Make-A-Wish Illinois. "The support was outstanding and the community really pulled together to go above and beyond to raise money for Make-A-Wish® Illinois. We are looking forward to partnering again in 2017!"

In addition to it's amazing contribution to Make-A-Wish IL, Pumpkin Fest wow'd their 70,000 attendees with 23,462 pumpkins carved and lit at once. Other fan favorite activities included a pumpkin pie eating contest, costume contests for pets, kids and adults, a 5K pumpkin run/walk, hay rides, pony and camel rides, a petting zoo, kids crafts and carnival rides.

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