Cottonwood Farm Events Show Appreciation for Troops, First Responders

A local business will pay tribute to the troops by inviting servicemen and women and their families to attend the opening weekend of this year’s Pumpkin Fest for free.

Veteran and active military personnel, plus their spouses and children, will get in free at Seigel’s Cottonwood Farm, 17250 S. Weber Road, Crest Hill, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24 and 25 as part of Military Appreciation Weekend.

The annual fall event includes a petting zoo, hayrack rides, train rides, a 15-acre corn maze and the John Deere giant train, plus plenty of activities for kids.

Families can enjoy a live USO music show from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, and veterans organizations, including Operation Support Our Troops, will be on site all weekend.

Free admission for first responders

The following weekend, Oct. 1 and 2, will be geared toward first responders.

Firefighters, police officers and their families will get in from from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. both days.

“In honor of the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we are honored to host our community’s first responders to our farm,” owner Paul Siegel said.

For more information on Pumpkin Fest, Military Appreciation Weekend and the first responders event, visit www.ourpumpkinfarm.com.

Pumpkin Fest is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily Sept. 24 through Oct. 31.