Ligonier, Indiana: Pumpkin Fantasy Land

This annual attraction that has been around for 44 years. In the fall of 1972, Charlie put two butternut squash together and imagined he saw Snoopy. Today, the annual Pumpkin Fantasyland is comprised of displays featuring all of the U.S. Presidents, storybook and movie characters, along with a special theme each year. All animals and characters are made from pumpkins, gourds, and squash.

In Ligonier, Indiana, there is a place called Fashion Farm -- "The Home of Pumpkin Fantasyland." This bizarre location includes a farm house turned museum, a restaurant, the original Ligoneer town jail, and a farmers market. All are filled with memorabilia of the former occupants, including such treasures as a 100 year old jar of peaches. The real attration lies in the family barn, which is filled every October with displays and dioramas of american history, fairy tales and the like completely made of pumpkins and gourds dressed in clothes and wigs. It is a sight to see. The last time I was there, the theme was "the 20th Century" and displays included the lunar landing, silent film stars, and even Jackie Kennedy and little Jon Jon at the Eternal Flame -- all in pumpkins.