Back by popular demand, New York’s iconic fall event will run Sept. 22 through Nov. 7
Fall will be better than ever in Nassau County, with County Executive Laura Curran announcing that Old Bethpage Village Restoration (OBVR) will host the iconic Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze for a second time, after a successful launch last year. The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze Long Island will run for 36 selected nights from Sept. 22 through Nov. 7. Tickets are now on sale at www.pumpkinblaze.org.
“We’re thrilled to bring back this extraordinary experience for the second consecutive year and provide a safe and spooky way to celebrate the Halloween season right here in Nassau County,” Curran said. “The county’s Old Bethpage Village provides a perfect backdrop for this spectacular event, which is expected to attract thousands and give our local economy a boost. Whether you’re a local or visitor, I’m encouraging all to check out this unique event and explore one of our vibrant downtowns. Thank you to Historic Hudson Valley for working with the county to host your iconic event once again.”
Historic Hudson Valley’s VP of Communications and Commerce, Rob Schweitzer added, “We were thrilled to partner with Nassau County to bring The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze to Old Bethpage Village Restoration. After a successful run in 2020, when were we able to safely entertain thousands of visitors and help support the local economy, we are delighted to partner again to make this second year even more exciting. We’ve added more nights and more displays and can’t wait to welcome visitors through the pumpkin arch.”
A small team of local artists hand-carved more than 7,000 jack o’lanterns and created elaborate pumpkin sculptures at this walk-through experience on the grounds of the 19th-century village. New displays this year include an 80-foot circus train—a nod to the 146-year run of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at the nearby Nassau Coliseum, a sea monster and many new creative creatures from under the ocean.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze is also returning for its 17th year to its original location in the Hudson Valley at Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson. That location will be open 59 nights from Sept. 17 through Nov. 21 and will feature new displays such as an immersive river walk-through experience and a New York City streetscape.
The health and safety of the visitors is the highest priority. At both locations, the experience is outdoors and touch-free, and capacity has been reduced to ensure social distancing. Visitors who are not vaccinated are required to wear masks at all times. Masks are not required for vaccinated visitors while on the grounds, but will be required when entering buildings, such as restrooms.
All events are held rain or shine. Proceeds support Historic Hudson Valley, the Tarrytown-based private, nonprofit educational organization and Old Bethpage Village Restoration.
Blaze: Long Island has limited capacity and all admissions are by advance purchase timed ticket. To further reduce staff/visitor touchpoints, no tickets are sold on site even if not
sold out.
Blaze: Long Island dates are Sept. 22-26, 29; Oct. 3; Oct. 6-11; 20-24; 27-31; Nov. 3-7. Online tickets start at $32 for adults and $24 for children 3-17 and are free for children 2 and under. Visit www.pumpkinblaze.org for more information about The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze.
Old Bethpage Village Restoration is at 1303 Round Swamp Rd. in Old Bethpage.
—Submitted by the office of Nassau County Executive Laura Curran
