Scenes from the past mark Illinois' milestones at Pumpkin Town

ANNA, Ill. -- The 11th annual Pumpkin Town USA ends today at the Choate Mental Health and Development Center.

"It's a good prelude up to Halloween," said Athalyn Hunt, a unit administrator on the upper treatment complex of Choate.

The drive into Pumpkin Town drew cars past the displays honoring Southern Illinois' historical milestones. The scenes were designed by the more than 300 patients at the center.

Each unit had to come up with an idea for their display keeping with the theme of Southern Illinois' milestones, such as a drive-in movie theater, creation of Dippin' Dots, a type of ice cream, and a scene to honor the memory of those on the Trail of Tears who wintered in Southern Illinois.

"It's certainly not a very flattering milestone, but I think it shows a sensitivity to recognize it," said Anna resident Dee Blakely.

Each unit takes donations to help pay for the supplies. They helped make the figures and assisted with the painting, Hunt said.

"It gives them an opportunity to show their creativity, and they enjoy it," Hunt said.

The cooler weather had visitors to Pumpkin Town wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants against the chilly October wind.

Despite the fall weather, 6-year-old Cheyenne Lingle and her grandmother, Mary Light of Dongola, Ill., enjoyed painting a pumpkin instead of carving one.

Cheyenne said she liked painting better because it was not as sticky as carving a pumpkin.

Light has taken her grandchildren to Pumpkin Town for the last 11 years even though she retired from Choate three years ago.

"It's just a fun thing to do," she said, "I like the scenes the best, it's hard to choose because they are all good."

Light recommends anyone who has not visited Pumpkin Town to come out today from 11 until 3 at 1000 N. Main St. in Anna. For more information, call (618) 833-5161.

ameyer@semissourian.com

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