The Path of Pumpkins Returns! Anderson Japanese Gardens has partnered with schools from across the region to provide a new Halloween-themed outdoor experience. Middle and high school students will showcase their pumpkin carving creativity within individual exhibits consisting of multiple carved pumpkins, creating the Path of Pumpkins. Each admission will be provided with a voting card. Be sure to fill it out and drop it off in the ballot box or hand it to the Gift Shop Team! The three schools that receive the most votes will be awarded cash prizes! The winning schools will be announced on Anderson Gardens' social media!

2024 Participating Schools & Organizations :

1. Adaptive Alliance
2. Auburn High School Sculpting Class
3. Belvidere High School Art Club
4. Belvidere North 
5. Harlem High School Student Council
6. Harlem Middle School Student Council
7. Jefferson High School
8. Keith Country Day School
9. Marshall Middle School
10. Meridian Junior High School
11. RESA Middle School
12. Rockford Christian
13. Rockford Lutheran School Art Club
14. Roosevelt High School
15. West Middle School

Past Winning Schools: 

1. Keith Country Day School (2024)
2. Roscoe Middle School – 8th Grade Art Students (2023)
3. Roscoe Middle School – 8th Grade Students (2022)
4. Freeport High School – National Art Honor Society (2021)