The Great Jack-O-Latern BLAZE 

Since 2005, BLAZE has been enchanting adults as well as families with children of all ages with its spectacular (and a little bit spooky) show at Van Cortland Manor in Croton-on-Hudson, New York. Speaking with a few of the guests we met while strolling along the pathways and admiring the magnificent creations throughout the show, we learned that many people come every year and make BLAZE a part of their holiday Halloween tradition. 

We learned about BLAZE when we checked into The Abbey Inn & Spa in Peekskill, New York, one of the sponsors of the show, and we were delighted to have the opportunity to experience the show on Friday, September 22, 2023. After experiencing BLAZE, we understand why it is such a hit with adults as well as families. 

There were thousands of artistically carved pumpkins that lined the pathways, some were comical, some were whimsical, and some were scary, and the magnificent large displays boggled the mind with their imagination and creativity. Imagine seeing the Statue of Liberty created entirely of 114 individually carved and stacked pumpkins proudly standing 25-feet in height complete with torch! 

Celtic Knot

Not only was BLAZE engaging and exciting, but it was also educational, as we learned that jack-o-lanterns have their roots in Irish folklore. The intricately carved Celtic knot pumpkins on display were exquisite, and interesting to note about the Celtic Knot display is that all the pumpkins in the display were all carved by a single, expert carver. 

Also exciting was the pumpkin carousel, the pumpkin Ferris wheel, the dinosaurs made of stacked pumpkins, and the stunning sunflower garden, to name but a few of the many designs that captured our imagination. Strolling along the pathways late at night with illumination provided by the lit pumpkins was thrilling, and just when we thought the last pumpkin designs could not be outdone, the next designs were even more exhilarating. 

The creativity and skill that went into each of the elaborate designs were truly works of art, including the "pumpkin art museum" where one of carvers had created a fabulous "painting" with homage to Edvard Munch's "The Scream" and with its proximity to Sleepy Hollow, New York (10 miles) the "headless horseman" was also featured. 

The show runs from September until November 19th, and the carved pumpkins are replaced every few weeks with new ones to keep the displays looking great. If you love Halloween, watching "It's the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown," and the Food Network's Halloween specials, you will love experiencing The Great Jack-O-Lantern BLAZE! Happy Halloween from Luxury Experience! 

Until our next adventure! 

Tickets to The Great Jack-O-Lantern BLAZE must be purchased in advance. Please visit the website for ticket information: www.hudsonvalley.org. There is free on-site parking at the event. 

The Great Jack-O-Lantern BLAZE
Van Cortland Manor
525 South Riverside Avenue
Croton-on-Hudson, New York
Telephone: +1-914-631-8200
Website: www.hudsonvalley.org 

Read more about Peekskill and the area in the Destinations, Hotels and Resorts, Restaurants, Gastronomy, Liquor Cabinet, Adventures, and Arts and Antiques sections. 

For more information on the Hudson Valley, please visit the website: www.HudsonValley.org and www.VisitWestchesterNY.com 

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