Naperville 2021 Pumpkin Race, festivities offer fun for all ages, abilities

Head to Rotary Hill Park in Naperville on Saturday, Oct. 30, for a day of fall fun the whole family will enjoy. Explore fall-themed activities including pumpkin races, a costume contest, a pumpkin decorating competition and much more during the annual Naperville Pumpkin Race hosted by Turning Pointe Autism Foundation. Turning Pointe is thrilled to host this cherished in-person festival once again this year and bring the community back together after months of postponing such events.

The festivities kick off at noon when registration opens for the beloved pumpkin races. To compete, racers must purchase a pumpkin race kit in advance or on race day and assemble their pumpkin according to instructions. All kits are made by students at Turning Pointe, a foundation that runs school for individuals with autism. Assembling race kits gives Turning Pointe students an opportunity to develop critical vocational skills and helps support their development. To date, students at Turning Pointe have assembled nearly 400 kits and counting for racers nationwide. Many racers will attend the Oct. 30 event in Naperville, but some will compete in pumpkin races in their respective states. Local businesses and neighbors purchase kits to hold their own pumpkin races as well.