Lockwood Park Pumpkin Fest – One Big Weekend

Lockwood Park Pumpkin Fest
courtesy photo The Journal
There will be plenty to do for all ages – pet the farm animals, take a wagon ride, explore the corn maze, play games, and pick your own pumpkin.

Get outdoors and enjoy fall at Lockwood’s Pumpkin Fest, scheduled for one weekend only this year, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday (Columbus Day), Oct. 12 to 14, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, rain or shine, at Rockford Park District’s scenic Lockwood Park, 5201 Safford Road, Rockford. Experience life on the farm just a few minutes away from the city. Visitors can hand-pick pumpkins, ride a pony, or take a horseback trail ride, enjoy games, a corn maze, making s’mores, and more. Kids will love interacting with the horses and animals on the working farm. For the full list of event activities and fees, visit www.lockwoodpark.com/pumpkinfest.
“This year, we are updating Lockwood’s Pumpkin Fest activities, adding food trucks, and showcasing market vendors during this incredible family-friendly event. There will be plenty to do for all ages – pet the farm animals, take a wagon ride, explore the corn maze, play games, and pick your own pumpkin. We will be open rain or shine,” said Jennifer Winberg, Lockwood Park Manager.
Pre-purchase and Package Deals – Admission to this year’s event and many of its activities (some exclusions apply) will be by wristbands, which are $12 per person, or $10 at www.lockwoodpark.com/pumpkinfest if purchased by Oct. 10; wristbands are $12 at the gate. An all-inclusive discount package deal is also available by online purchase, and includes pony rides, a pumpkin, and s’more for $22, or $20 if purchased by Oct. 10; food and beverages must be purchased separately on site.
Complete pricing information and inclusions/exclusions is listed on the website.
During one big weekend, enjoy:
New this year – a vendor market, local food trucks, and live music each day.
Animal-Related Activities
– Visit the decorated Animal Barn
– Ride a pony in the pony ring (note: children must be under 48 inches tall, and weigh 80 lbs. or less to ride ponies)
-Take a trail ride; advance reservations strongly recommended. To reserve a time, go to www.lockwoodpark.com, or call 815-987-8809.
Outdoor Fun on the Farm
Pick your own pumpkin
– Feed the animals at the Children’s Farm (feed available for purchase)
– Visit the corn maze
– Make your own s’mores by the bonfire
– Play on the playground
– Go for a hike, walk, or bike ride on the park’s scenic 15-mile numbered trail system
Rides, Crafts, Activities, and Attractions
– Wagon rides
-Horse demonstrations
– Antique tractor display
– Variety of themed games and activities, including pumpkin painting, pumpkin toss, and pumpkin bowling
-Inflatables
-Music and entertainment
Note – Horse trailer parking will be closed to the public all three days of the event, Oct. 12-14, 2019.
About Lockwood Park
The mission of Lockwood Park is to help people enjoy life through their connection to animals.
The park programs provide a variety of experiences and learning opportunities to promote healthy, positive interactions between people and animals. Lockwood Park offers 15 miles of scenic trails for hiking, biking, or horseback riding.
For more information about Lockwood Park and its programs, activities, and rental options, visit www.lockwoodpark.com or call 815-987-8809, where information on accessibility for visitors with disabilities is also available.