Peoria Standard

U.S. Representative Darin LaHood recently highlighted Morton's status as the "Pumpkin Capital of the World" in a Facebook post dated October 25. He said, "If you’re enjoying pumpkin pie this fall, there is a good chance it started right here in Morton, Illinois!"

"#IL16 is the proud home of the Pumpkin Capital of the World," said LaHood, according to Facebook. "If you're enjoying pumpkin pie this fall, there is a good chance it started right here in Morton, Illinois!"

According to LaHood's Facebook post, he shared an article from USA Today about "Pumpkintown USA." The article explains that the community developed around a Libby’s pumpkin factory, which has produced millions of tons of pumpkins over the past 16 years. It cites federal data supporting Morton's claim, noting that Morton harvests twice as many acres of pumpkins and more pounds per acre compared to other regions, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Screenshot of Congressman Darin LaHood's Oct. 25 Facebook post | Congressman Darin LaHood's Facebook page

The USDA reports that in 2023, Illinois harvested 15,400 acres of pumpkins. This figure contrasts with states like California, Michigan, Indiana, Washington, and Pennsylvania, where each harvested between 2,800 and 6,500 acres. Up to 70% of these acres in Illinois are used for pie filling or other processing purposes. In 2023 alone, Illinois produced 690 million pounds of pumpkins. Due to their primary use for processing, Illinois pumpkins generally have a lower price per pound; they received $50 per 1,000 pounds compared to Washington's $324 per 1,000 pounds.

In 2025, the Morton Pumpkin Festival will take place from September 11-14 under the theme "Pumpkins Run for the Roses." The festival began in 1967 as an annual fundraiser and celebration marking the start of the pumpkin harvest. In 1978, Morton was proclaimed the "Pumpkin Capital of the World" by the Governor because 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin is processed at Morton's Libby plant.

Currently involving more than 1,500 volunteers and featuring over 30 special events and venues since Libby’s Pumpkin became its official sponsor in 2012.

Congressman LaHood has represented Illinois since being elected to Congress in 2015. Initially serving in the state's 18th Congressional District until redistricting shifted him to represent the people of the 16th District. His political career includes four years in the state senate from 2011-2015 and over nine years as a state and federal prosecutor with experience working for the U.S. Department of Justice as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Las Vegas.

LaHood holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Loras College and a Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois-Chicago John Marshall Law School. He resides in Peoria with his wife.