PEORIA MAGAZINE August 2022

Morton Mayor Jeff Kaufman

C O M M U N I T Y S P O T L I G H T

PUMPKIN POWERED That’s just the start in the orange gourd capital of the world

BY SCOTT FISHEL PHOTOS BY RON JOHNSON, MIKE BAILEY

O ther central Illinois towns may fancy themselves the “capital” of this, that or the other thing, but none would dare claim Pumpkin Capital of the World. That esteemed title was off icially bestowed upon Morton, Illinois, in 1978. The growing, processing and canning of pumpkins started in and around Morton decades ago. Today, village officials say 85 percent of the world’s canned pumpkin is processed and packed at the Libby’s factory just off I-74. In 1967, the local penchant for pumpkins spawned the Mor ton Pumpkin Festival (Sept. 14-17, 2022), now one of the region’s largest, most popular annual fests. Hundreds of volunteers pitch in to welcome 75,000 plus visitors for carnival rides, live

Leigh Ann Brown, CEO and executive director of the Morton Chamber of Commerce, describes Morton as “a community of supportive and engaged people dedicated to providing and generating opportunities.” Those opportunities are visible all over town. PROGRESS BEYOND PUMPKINS In multiple categories, Morton is a central Illinois powerhouse that often defies economic trends. Take sales tax revenues during the pandemic. While most expected a drop in 2020, Morton experienced an increase of $10,000 over 2019. If that wasn’t enough, it jumped again by $411,000 in 2021 – and in a town with one of the lowest sales tax rates in the region.

music, a huge parade, and pumpkin treats from pancakes and ice cream to chili and donuts. Oh, and thanks to State Rep. Keith Sommer of Morton, pumpkin pie is the official State Pie of Illinois. So yes, the Pumpkin Capital title is legit. But a healthy obsession with the orangish squash is just one facet of this village of 17,000-plus residents.

46 AUGUST 2022 PEORIA MAGAZINE