October 21, 2015

The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze

The electrifying Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze returns to the Historic Hudson Valley Van Cortlandt Manor House for another year.

If you’re in the New York City tri-state area any time during the next few weeks, I encourage you to visit the the Blaze in Croton-on-Hudson. Through November 15, the Historic Hudson Valley turns the Manor House landscape into a Halloween wonderland. Thousands of carved and illuminated jack o'lanterns decorate the area, inspired by themes of the 18th century and other more traditional Halloween subjects. Circus trains, the headless horseman, sea serpents, classic “monsters” and more...

The exhibit, now in its 11th year, is under the direction of Michael Natiello, the creative director of Historic Hudson Valley, and the “head carver” of the Blaze event. Michael and his team developed and created every installation using both artificial Funkins, as well as live pumpkins from the Wallkill View Farm in New Paltz, New York. Michael appeared on my television shows several times over the years to share his pumpkin carving tips.

Up to four-thousand spectators from across the country and beyond the 50-states, visit the Blaze every night during its 30-day run. Recently, I took my beautiful grandchildren, Jude and Truman, there too. It was a lot of fun. I hope my photos inspire you to also stop by sometime. Happy Halloween.

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