Spectacular pumpkins light up the night for the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze

As Halloween approaches, jack-o’-lanterns are making their appearance throughout our neighborhoods with their unique carvings once again. While we think of it as fall fun, in fact pumpkin carving dates back centuries as a way to ward off evil spirits with their spooky faces.

The beloved tradition gets a unique twist at the Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. See pumpkins transformed into magnificent jack-o’-lantern creations, illuminating a trail through the historic restored village for all to admire.

It all began in the Hudson Valley — at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson 19 years ago — conceived by the Westchester County cultural organization Historic Hudson Valley.

“About 20 years ago, we hit upon this idea of a display of jack-o’-lanterns, and we weren’t sure how people would respond to it. It was hugely popular. And so it has just expanded in a big way since then,” says Rob Schweitzer, Historic Hudson Valley’s vice president of communications and commerce.

Certainly a must-see during the season, the pumpkin trail is now in its fifth year on Long Island, with over 30 different installations. Over 7,000 jack-o’-lanterns carved by local artisans resulting in a larger-than-life themed pumpkin showcase — a mix of real and carvable foam — spanning a half-mile loop, enhanced with synchronized lighting and an original soundtrack for a fully immersive experience.

“We have a team, 10 to 12 of us, that work together to make sure that we’re keeping the same consistency, the same quality, throughout the carvings,” Carol Hough, lead pumpkin carver, says.

Her team carves each week, swapping out old pumpkins with fresh ones. Carvers are creative with their tools to accommodate the high volume of pumpkins, using sheetrock knives and ice cream spades to get the job done, according to Hough.

Long Island history and culture are incorporated into the Blaze experience. Guests are welcomed by a 12-foot tall retro-style “Greetings from a Long Island” postcard made up of individually carved jack-o’-lanterns.

“What we like to do is really focus on the heritage of the location,” Schweitzer says.

Ever wonder what your favorite Long Island celebrity looked like as a pumpkin? The Blaze is the place to check out some pumpkin-face renderings of local personalities. Icons such as Billy Joel, Joan Jett, Jerry Seinfeld and Natalie Portman are on display.

“We have a Long Island Hall of Fame. These are large portraits, rendered in jack-o’-lanterns , of folks from Long Island that have done great things,” Schweitzer explains.

Among the locally themed installations, a functioning lighthouse replica of the Montauk Point Lighthouse, complete with a flashing beacon to light the way, is sure to attract attention.

With history as a focus, it comes to no surprise that the Blaze would find its way to the historic village.

“We’ve looked at a lot of sites over the years and a lot of them have some good characteristics, but don’t have everything. Old Bethpage Village Restoration really had everything,” Schweitzer says.

Of course, there are plenty of what one would consider Halloween staples that celebrate the spirit of the season, such as a 25-foot giant spider web and the Day of the Dead installation.

Hough is particularly fond of the Day of the Dead jack-o’-lantern tribute, among the new displays along this year’s trail.

“There are some skeletons and some sugar skulls. It’s really beautiful. I absolutely love it,” Hough says.

Other showstoppers include a thrilling pumpkin circus, a glowing Statue of Liberty, a pumpkin-filled Ferris wheel, and a planetarium. Plus, see a tribute to First Responders. This display involves carved jack-o’-lanterns depicting a firefighter heroically putting out a flame, honoring the bravery and dedication of our local heroes.

“The concept for that really came out of the early period of the pandemic, there was a lot of focus on First Responders and our healthcare workers and those on the front lines of dealing with the pandemic. It’s something that we’ve continued to celebrate,” says Schweitzer.

There’s so much more to the trail than just carvings. Lighting and sound are integral to the Blaze experience. Each installation is depicted with an original score to create the perfect ambience.

Volunteers from local scout troops and high school honor societies are also involved, assisting in lighting the lanterns that line the path.
Also new this year, the Blaze is offering custom-made pumpkins to order. 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.

So carve out some time, there’s a pumpkin creation for everyone at the Blaze.

As Schweitzer says: “It’s really an event you can just go and relax and smile at. It genuinely is something that appeals to all ages.”

For an extra fall treat, stop by the Café Blaze for some yummy cider donuts and pumpkin beer. And check out the nightly pumpkin carving. It may inspire you to do create you own special seasonal décor at home.