Westmont's Wicked West Fest crowns pumpkin-smashing champions

John Dispensa IV of Westmont Public Works was crowned 2026 Pumpkin Smashing King at Westmont's Wicked West Fest on Saturday, Oct. 17.

The annual Halloween celebration drew a large crowd to downtown Westmont under clear skies, according to the Village of Westmont. The day packed in a Trick-or-Treat Trail, the Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza, a Costume Contest and Casket Races on Cass Avenue.

Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza

The Westmont Environmental Improvement Committee coordinated the pumpkin smash. Contestants from village departments, local agencies and community organizations decorated pumpkins, rode the Westmont Fire Department ladder truck 20 feet into the air and threw their pumpkins at a target below. Judges scored accuracy, splatter, decorations and creativity.

Dispensa took the King title representing Westmont Public Works.

Jessica Garrett of Dynamic Perception Dance Company was named Pumpkin Smashing Queen. Four honorable mentions went to Jared McKinstry of the Westmont Lions Club for Best Splatter, Erin Norton of People's Resource Center for Most Creative Theme, Sarah Jandeska of Make-A-Wish for Best Decoration and Katie Scears of the Westmont Police Department for Most Creative Overall.

Caskets on Cass

The Westmont Chamber of Commerce hosted the Casket Races, where two businesses fielded five-person teams, decorated caskets and raced them down Cass Avenue. Dynamic Perception Dance Company took first place. Alia Rose Salon finished second.

Costume Contest

More than 150 people entered the Wicked West Fest Costume Contest, hosted by the Westmont Special Events Corporation. All participants received a ribbon, and medals went to the top three costumes in each of seven categories. Photos from the contest are on the Westmont Special Events Facebook page.

Pumpkin composting up next

The Pumpkin Smashing Extravaganza doubles as a promotion for Westmont's annual Pumpkin Composting Collection. This year's drop-off is Saturday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon at the commuter parking lot next to Westmont Village Hall, 31 W. Quincy St.

The village asks residents to remove all candles and inorganic decorations before dropping off pumpkins. EIC Staff Liaison Larry McIntyre said in a Sept. 3 announcement that the program has run for more than 10 years, with a goal of composting every pumpkin used as a Halloween decoration in Westmont.

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