Morton Pumpkin Festival 1972 – Tilt-A-Whirl & Downtown Life

Experience the Morton Pumpkin Festival as it was in 1972, captured in vibrant home movie footage that brings this small-town celebration to life. From bustling downtown streets to neon-lit carnival rides, this reel is a true time capsule of Midwestern Americana.

🎥 In this film, you’ll see:

🌀 The classic Tilt-A-Whirl spinning under glowing lights, with kids and teens laughing as the cars whip and sway

🚗 A mini car ride, looping under brilliant neon signage, surrounded by the sounds and sights of a real 1970s midway

🏘️ Downtown Morton, Illinois filled with festival-goers, storefronts decorated for fall, and street vendors offering up seasonal favorites

🎡 The unmistakable glow of carnival lights at night, captured on film with all the grit and warmth of 1972 color stock

Held in the Pumpkin Capital of the World, this annual event honors Morton’s rich agricultural roots and community spirit — and this rare 8mm footage shows it all, just as it happened more than 50 years ago.

📍 Morton, Illinois
🎃 Pumpkin Festival – 1972
🎞️ Shot on original 8mm home movie film
✨ Featuring Tilt-A-Whirl, rides, and small-town charm

👍 Like if you remember rides that spun you silly
💬 Comment with your Morton Festival memories — or if you were there in ’72!
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