Halloween, a fun American
holiday, is celebrated each year on October 31st, and typically ushers in the
fall season in Chicago. A favorite tradition for this holiday is to carve
pumpkins. In an effort to give international students and their families an
opportunity to experience this unique American holiday, OIS hosts its annual
Pumpkin Farm Trip every October. Students in
attendance learn about the American traditions of pumpkin carving and are able
to see midwestern farm animals while experiencing tractor-driven hay rides and
many of the customs associated with Halloween in the U.S.
Pumpkin Farm Trip 2018
On Saturday, October 20 OIS and
120 members of the UIC international community visited Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm
in Lockport, IL. The group picked pumpkins, fed farm animals, and some even
experienced snow for the first time! It was a true Midwestern fall experience.
To view pictures of the trip, visit the OIS
Facebook page.