Illinois Halloween Festival Features Pumpkin Derby Race Cars

If you're looking for a truly unique Halloween experience, I've got the perfect event for you in Illinois.

Illinois Town Hosts Pumpkin Racing

This sounds like a great way to celebrate Halloween. It's the annual Pumpkin Derby held at the Scarecrow Festival in Dixon. The event is October 19th from 10 am to 2 pm. Check-in is at noon with the race at 1 pm. The track is located at Hennepin Avenue between First and Second Street.

READ MORE: Paranormal Tour Of Haunted Illinois Theater On Halloween

Besides the pumpkin derby, you can check out over 100 booths and activities including crafters, pumpkin painting, street performers, games, donut eating contests, a petting zoo, face painting, flower pot decorating, pumpkin bowling, live music, and food trucks.

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The downtown stores will also be offering lots of great specials and activities. The festival grounds will be lined with different themed scarecrows decorated by local businesses and organizations.

Rules For The Pumpkin Derby Race Cars

• 5 divisions: 5 & under, 6-12, 13-17, 18 & over, and business & organizations. Under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

• Cash awards for fastest car and best in show for all divisions.

• Each racer must use a single, whole, and real pumpkin. Allowed to hollowed out but must retain pumpkin shape. Must be 30" in diameter.

• For wheels: prefabricated chassis are allowed (ex. skateboard). Attached independent axles and wheels are also okay.

• No motors, explosives, or pyrotechnics.

• No pushing or helping racers. Pumpkin is placed on the starting line and gravity will pull it down the hill.

• Races must cross the finish line to qualify, so wheel alignment is important.

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