Billed as the tri-state area’s biggest Jack O’Lantern event, this festival held on the grounds of the Van Cortlandt Manor from September 28 to November 24 displays more than 7,000 Jack O’Lanterns. Spooky and colorful, The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a festival of holiday tradition and artistry that has been held since 2005.
Playful and mischievous, a field of traditional Jack O’Lanterns greet attendees near the entrance to the festival.The welcome sign to The Blaze is an archway comprised of Jack O’Lanterns.Ticket holders gather at the entrance to the festival.Lanterns decorated with Celtic knots pay homage to the Jack O’Lantern’s roots in Irish folklore.A wizard comprised of several Jack O’Lanterns stands nearly six feet tall.This statue of Lady Liberty pays homage to the immigrant roots of both the U.S. and New York City.This Pumpkin Carousel is a 20-foot round structure built by William Dentzel, a descendant of one of the country’s first carousel makers.Dentzel’s carousel, made of 555 Jack O’Lanterns, was a favorite photo subject of visitors.This skeleton Jack O’Lantern stands guard over several single Jack O’Lanterns. Scarecrows loom in the background.A starry tunnel of lanterns illuminates the night.Spiders! Not suitable for those with ar-jack-nophobia.This “Doomsday Clock” with its single lantern pendulum re-imagines the grandfather clock inside Van Cortlandt Manor.A giant Jack O’Lantern smiles at attendees standing in front of Van Cortlandt Manor.Jurassic Park this is not.At a display of zodiac signs, visitors take photos in front of their sign.Near the exit, a spooky figure waves goodbye to the Halloween revelers.
These photographs were taken on the evening of Monday, October 8.
