By: Jayden Neidell

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is a production of Historic Hudson Valley, a not for-profit educational organization supported by generous contributions from individuals, corporations, and government agencies. Each year, the Historic Hudson Valley creates a Halloween-themed light show, comprised of various displays made of over 7,000 hand-carved Jack O’Lanterns altogether, including a lighthouse, spider webs, and a gorgeous tunnel known as the Pumpkin Planetarium that is perfect for photo-ops. Other exhibits included a Long Island Hall of Fame, larger-than-life sea creatures, and a program in which you could watch your head as an animated Headless Horseman rides into the night. 

The experience is self-guided, and takes about forty-five minutes to walk through. Visitors are able to go through the showcase at their own pace though, with an all-original soundtrack and synchronized lighting surrounding them, complementing the experience. Some visitors have described this event as “a truly festive after-dark Halloween experience” and “a staple for Halloween-loving New Yorkers and tourists alike.”

This display was from September 30 to November 6, and was held at the Old Bethpage Village Restoration, a 209-acre living museum village in Nassau County. While strolling through the pumpkin trail, visitors could also pass 19th-century buildings and historic barns. All proceeds from ticket and merchandise purchases at the location of Blaze went to supporting the education and preservation efforts of this restoration site. This showcase is a perfect event for families and friends to go to with one another, and will be back running next year for those who want to experience this fall wonderland!