I love everything about fall and look forward to all the season has to offer. Bonfires, football games, hayrides, jack-o-lanterns, sweater weather and pumpkin-spiced everything...what's not to love?!
If you are looking for something a bit out of the ordinary to really spice up the season, plan to attend the Smiley Morning Show's annual Pumpkin Drop at The Shops at Perry Crossing. Bring the whole family and stand in awe as you watch a GIGANTIC pumpkin fall from the sky and splatter all over the parking lot!
This year's pumpkin drop will be held on Thursday, Oct. 12 from 6-10 a.m. All the festivities will again take place at the Plainfield outdoor lifestyle mall at the east end of the Dick's Sporting Goods parking lot.
This event typically attracts more than 500 people, so I've got some helpful tips that will help you make the most of this fun, fall event.
Dress in Layers 
The event begins at 6 a.m. (before the sun even rises) and concludes at 10 a.m., and there will be plenty of fun outdoor activities sprinkled throughout.
You never know what Mother Nature will provide in mid-October in Indiana, so it's best to prepare for all types of weather. Chances are high that it will be chilly (if not downright cold) to start the day, so my best "mom advice" is to dress in layers.
Come bundled up and take off layers as the sun warms things up.
The Barnes & Noble Cafe will open early that day for the Pumpkin Drop and will serve up Starbucks drinks. Plan to head in and purchase a hot beverage to help keep your insides warm as you take in all the fall festivities.
Prepare for Fun 
Plenty of fun with a smattering of silliness is sure to ensue as the Pumpkin Drop is hosted by the popular Smiley Morning Show.
Dave Smiley from 99.5 WZPL and his zany morning show co-hosts will broadcast live throughout the event. That alone, makes it a fun event to attend and ensures tons of laughs.
But beyond that, there will be plenty of activities to keep the kiddies entertained, including bounce houses, balloon artists and other entertainment as anticipation builds for the Pumpkin Drop.
Attendees are even encouraged to wear costumes to help add to the spirit of the season.
While costumes are not required, both you and your kids can take this opportunity to "test drive" your costumes and get even more bang for your buck with this year's getup!
Marvel at the Pumpkin Drop 
Two pumpkins are dropped each year at this event and serve as the highlight of the festivities. The first pumpkin is generally smaller and serves as kind of a test run to energize the crowd and make sure everything is working properly.
Then the event culminates with the grand finale...a ginormous pumpkin dropping from the sky! Make sure you are among the crowd of onlookers to find out just how big this year's pumpkin will be and to witness the moment when it hits the pavement and explodes into millions of pieces!
You can safely view the big splat from behind the barriers. Then after the drop, you can get a closer look at the pumpkin carnage if you choose.
I hear some people even take home a piece of the pumpkin as a souvenir!
Enjoy the Free Activities....then Explore the Mall! 
All the event activities are free, so plan to bring the whole family. Visit the vendor booths to gather some pre-Halloween candy. Those same vendors will also give away coupons, swag and other items.
The Shops at Perry Crossing will hand out specially designed pumpkin trick-or-treat bags to the first 1,000 visitors, so plan to get there early.
Then stay late to check out everything The Shops at Perry Crossing has to offer!
The shops open at 10 a.m. and will be stocked with fall clothing, festive decor, treats and so much more. Be sure to pop into Schakolad Chocolate Factory to try their new line of pumpkin spice and caramel apple flavors of gelato, shakes and confections, or book a chocolate tasting.
Of course, if you feel the need to balance out all the sweet treats of the season, stop in one of the many restaurants, such as Bru Burger Bar or the new Theo's Italian Restaurant, which will open for lunch at 11 a.m.
Make it a day to remember as you create fabulous fall memories with your family!
Event Details 
- Date: Oct. 12 from 6 a.m.-10 a.m.
- Location: The Shops at Perry Crossing, 2499 Perry Crossing Way, Plainfield
- Details: The event will be held outdoors so dress for the weather.
- Parking: Ample free parking is available at the mall
- Cost: Free. There is no cost to attend the Pumpkin Drop, but plan to stick around and take in all the great shops and restaurants!
- Information: The Shops at Perry Crossing Facebook page
