Celebrate the coming of fall with Illinois State University’s Horticulture Center’s annual Autumnal Festival from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, September 14.

Take part in games from gourd spinning to the famed rotten-fruit throwing contest. Join a hayrack or Gator ride. Make s’mores or grab a hot dog. Crafts will be available from 10 a.m.-noon.

The Autumnal Festival is the center’s main fundraiser for the year and helps support its goals of providing learning, research, and leisure opportunities for Illinois State students and faculty as well as the community. There will be a silent auction, food—including cider slushies—and gourds, squash, and pumpkins will be for sale.

Admission for the event is $5 (ages 13 and older); $3 (ages 3 to 12); and free for ages 2 and under. Some activities will be subject to small fees, including hayrides for $1.

The Illinois State Horticulture Center is located on West Raab Road in Normal across from the Corn Crib. For more information, contact Jessica Chambers at Horticulture@IllinoisState.edu, (309) 438-5654, or (309) 438-3496.