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Photos: The Pandemic Can't Stop The Great Jack O' Lantern Blaze
By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 24, 2020
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By
Jen Carlson
Published Oct 24, 2020
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Every year, the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze lights things up in Croton-On-Hudson, creating an immersive pumpkin experience for New Yorkers just 40 miles outside of the city. This year, in addition to the usual Van Cortland Manor spot, they've added a second location on Long Island, as well, at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
"After 15 sold-out seasons at Van Cortlandt Manor in Westchester, we are thrilled to partner with Nassau County on our first expansion of The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze,” said Historic Hudson Valley President Waddell Stillman, who noted each will feature "site-specific installations that celebrate the region." (For example, the new location will greet you with a 12-foot tall ‘Welcome to Long Island” postcard.)
The experience features around 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins, which range from your standard jack o'lantern to elaborate tableaus to spooky sculptures and intricate artwork.
The outdoor walk-through experience is considered "low risk" under state guidelines, and they've also put pandemic protocols in place this year. There will be a one-way walkthrough, as well as timed admission, and everyone must wear a mask (some pumpkins will remind you of this) and distance throughout.
Photographer Tod Seelie dropped by this week for a look at the Hudson Valley experience — click through for a peek at all those pumpkins.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Hudson Valley will run through November 21st this year, while the Long Island location will be open through November 1st. Tickets range from $24 (children) to $32 (adults). Get more information on ticketing, timing, and direction at pumpkinblaze.org.
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the blaze
long island
pumpkin
upstate
jack o lantern
Jen Carlson
Jen Carlson is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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