It was well-planned, but the 14th-annual Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival fell short of reaching the world records for most jack-o’-lanterns lit at the same time and most pumpkin pies in a line. Event organizers even hired three refrigerator trailers to keep them cool, especially with the warm weather of the last few weeks. That didn’t stop the crowds from coming to enjoy the three-day event, which ended Sunday. Estimates placed the total attendance at 130,000 people. The biggest draws were several all-you-can-carve pumpkin stations, and the orbs were gone before the final day. Highwood was covered with racks of pumpkins, stacked upwards of 12-levels high. A wall of pumpkins along Highwood Avenue, and more pumpkins carved by festivalgoers that were unable to be shelved, because of space limitations. (Gregory Harutunian/For the Lake County News-Sun) The world record for lit jack-o’-lanterns at the same time is 30,581. It was set in Keene, New Hampshire in 2013. Highwood had a good chance to beat the record this year, as the New England town no longer holds the competition. “We ordered 20,000 pumpkins that were gutted for easy carving,” said Ilyse Strongin, co-founder of Ripple Public Relations, which helps orchestrate the event. “Last year, we had those two weeks of hot weather that turned them to mush, hence the trailers. This weekend, we had three days of gorgeous weather, nothing like last year. “Every year, we go for the record, and it hasn’t happened yet,” she continued. “All the areas were packed — the food vendors, the carnival and the streets. We had carving stations in different locations, and a moving moment for me is to see families passing along the taper candles to light the pumpkins.” Strongin noted that Illinois is the most bountiful for pumpkins, and for pumpkin pies. The idea for the most pumpkin pies in a line came together quickly, but there was not enough time. A military chef from the Great Lakes Naval Training Station was enlisted for help, and coordinated with other chefs on base to get involved. “The pies are all gone in the pie-eating contest, and what’s left we’re donating to local food pantries and outlets that benefit the community,” she said. “We’re going to do it next year, and asking all the families and bakeries to hold off and be ready. The idea is giving back to the community.” Everts Park was again home to “Pumpkin Town USA,” a village constructed out of the carved orbs with a library, a city hall complete with a bell tower, and other structures. An oversized skeleton perched between cars along Sheridan Road was one of the many eye-catching displays at The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival. (Gregory Harutunian/For the Lake County News-Sun) “Superhero Skeleton” displays went up throughout Highwood, decorated by military families. Kids Rank, a non-profit program for military children, was chosen as the beneficiary of the festival. The program helps military families and their children get acclimated when traveling to new areas for duty. The focus was on family-friendly activities, stretched out around the entire downtown. Eric Falberg, president of Celebrate Highwood, which is involved with organizing the event, said, “The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival put the town on the map, and it’s the perfect kickoff to the fall season.” One of the superhero displays, dressed by military families, placed around downtown Highwood. (Gregory Harutunian/For the Lake County News-Sun)