Don't Throw Pumpkins Away, Smash Them With The Community Instead: Geneva Event

GENEVA, IL — Instead of throwing pumpkins away once Halloween concludes, locals are invited to smash them with the community at the Pumpkin Smash Nov. 8.

The event, sponsored by the city's Natural Resources Committee and the Geneva Park District, will be held from 9 a.m. to noon at the Community Gardens at Prairie Green, located off Peck and Bricher roads.

The Pumpkin Smash is designed to reduce the number of pumpkins that end up in landfills. Instead, crews will churn the gourds into garden plots to provide nutrients to the soil.

All decorations, including candles, yarn hair, stickers, googly eyes and plastic accessories, should be removed before recycling.

Food and drinks will be available for purchase from local vendors during the event.

The Community Gardens at Prairie Green is a cooperative partnership between the Geneva Park District, City of Geneva and Forest Preserve District of Kane County. Each year, locals can rent plots, spanning 20 feet by 30 feet, to plant fruits, vegetables and herbs.

Starting Dec. 1, gardeners who participated in the 2025 season can sign up for the same plot next year. New gardeners may register for available plots beginning Feb. 1, 2026. More information is available on the park district's website.

Garden plots will be open from dawn to dusk between April and October.