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A train carved entirely from pumpkins. (Photo credit Historic Hudson Valley)

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returning for 5th year

The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze, presented by Catholic Health, will return to Old Bethpage Village Restoration starting Oct. 4, marking five years as Nassau County’s biggest family-friendly Halloween event.

With over 7,000 Jack O Lanterns carved by local artisans, the larger-than-life themed exhibits span a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack, offering an immersive experience for all visitors.

Historic Hudson Valley, which develops and produces the event in partnership with Nassau County, is a not-for-profit education organization that owns and operates National Historic Landmarks in New York’s Sleepy Hollow region. Proceeds from ticket purchases support the preservation of Old Bethpage Village Restoration and the educational programming of Historic Hudson Valley.

This year, visitors can look forward to:

Long Island Hall of Fame: celebrate local Long Island icons with intricate pumpkin sculptures of Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Sue Bird, Dr. J, and making their debut this fall, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman.

Pumpkin lighthouse: a replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse featuring a blazing beacon of illuminated pumpkins.

Tribute to First Responders: an awe-inspiring display featuring carved jack o’lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

Lady Liberty: a glowing rendition of the Statue of Liberty that features 114 individually carved pumpkins, complete with torch ablaze—an iconic symbol of freedom, inspiration, and hope.

The pumpkin circus: a Jack O Lantern carnival will come to life with acrobats, clowns, and a sideshow featuring a contortionist, strong man, Montauk mermaid, sword swallower, and a snake charmer.

This year also includes live, nightly pumpkin carving by Blaze’s expert team of pumpkin carving artisans, the Blaze Boo-tique featuring seasonal gifts and fun merchandise, and Café Blaze, an on-site café featuring fall treats like cider donuts and pumpkin beer.

New for 2024, guests can surprise a special someone with a custom-carved pumpkin displayed at the new Celebration Arch. Reservations are limited and must be made seven days in advance.

In honor of its fifth-anniversary, Blaze is offering a flat rate admission of $10 for children ages 3-17, while the littlest guests, ages 2 and under, are free. Adult tickets start at $32. With limited capacity, entry is available only through advance online purchase of timed tickets or FLEX anytime tickets; no tickets are sold at the venue.

The Great Jack O Lantern Blaze runs through Sunday, November 3. The event takes place rain or shine.

For tickets and event dates, visit www.pumpkinblaze.org.

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