Upon entering the lively locale of Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest, I was met by numerous astounded expressions plastered onto the faces of pleasantly overwhelmed children. This scene of pure Autumn joy immediately liberated me of the subtle agitation I was beginning to develop from the congested parking lot and steep admission ($14.99 Friday-Sunday and $9.99 Monday-Thursday for everyone over 3 years old).

Before exploring the seemingly endless array of fall activities Bengston’s provides, I conversed with a friendly, welcoming staff member who enlightened me regarding one of Bengston’s most renowned traditions: the hourly pig races. Luckily, I arrived just in time to witness the 12:30 p.m. race, so I rushed through the Sunday crowd and found a seat beside the overwhelming mass of eager spectators anxiously awaiting the race. Promptly, three young men began to introduce the race in a comical yet appealing way that I, unfortunately, struggled to hear from my seat.

After a few minutes of theatrics, the men introduced pigs with names such as Lindsay Loham and Christina Hogulara before opening the gates and allowing the pigs to battle for victory. Immediately following pig four’s triumphant trot over the finish line, an excited cheer rose from the crowd of bemused children, parents and grandparents.

Before embarking on another fall adventure, I decided to investigate whether Bengston’s food matched its fun. To my dismay, the apple cider ($2.50) resembled warm apple juice, and the hot chocolate’s ($2.50) lack of flavor paralleled a sad mixture of water and generic hot chocolate powder. Even the apple cider donut ($2) was overly dry and lacked the appeal its name suggests. While disappointing, this discovery did not damper my Bengston’s experience.

My options following the pig race and food stop were endless; I could only imagine the bewilderment a child would sense while experiencing this same establishment. As I passed multiple children’s rides (free) teeming with laughter and youth, I came across a petting zoo. Contrary to my preconceptions, this petting zoo was shockingly clean and advertised animals such as a dromedary camel and an African aoudad. The spacious tent included a table selling carrots to feed the animals ($1) and was occupied by a steady flow of spectators, amazed to see such creatures in suburban Illinois.

Also included in the price of admission was a hayride through the pumpkin patch. The brief ride consisted of four large, wooden trailers towed behind a tractor that paraded past attractions including a pumpkin canon, which launched a pumpkin into a nearby lake. Besides the excitement of the pumpkin canon, the hayride lacked the excitement the rest of Bengston’s evoked.

In addition to the festivities open to all visitors, Bengston’s has some attractions that require extra cash. Children have the opportunity to enjoy camel and pony rides ($5), and all visitors can purchase a pumpkin of their choice ($0.39/lb).

Bottom Line: Leave your appetite at home, and come to Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest for a day of Autumn excitement and family fun.