Halloween is a holiday that focuses on tricks and black magic. When celebrating the season with young children it is important to find mild activities that will limit night terrors. Roger Williams Zoo in Providence has just the event with its annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.
Thousands of pumpkins line a quarter-mile walking trail, some carved as not-so-average jack-o-lanterns, while hundreds of others are intricately designed and carved into pieces of art that generate the theme of, “A Walk through Time.” It is a seasonal experience suited for people of all ages as the focus of this event is to “Wow,” guests, not to scare them away.
What to Expect at the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
The track begins with a look at prehistoric times where meticulous images of a variety of dinosaurs are captured on pumpkins. The path continues on and guests will find a number of historic moments chiseled into these gourds. Grouped in separate galleries by time period, each pumpkin displayed is truly a masterpiece that required talent, creativity and patience.
Charlie Brown and gang are featured, as well as the artists that participated in the Woodstock music festival. PacMan, the Smurfs and Betty Boop are found neighboring a scene of the unforgettable Tiananmen Square Massacre and a rendition of Norman Rockwell’s Sunset. People are invited to take non-flash photographs but must not stop the flow of other guests traveling the pathways. The lineup is always fresh, even after a burst of rainy New England weather. The show continues through Sunday, October 31, 2010.
Additional Events During the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Zoo This October 2010
New to this year’s happening is the Spectacular Early Entry BBQ that takes place on the park’s Jambo Junction Serengeti Deck. Running from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m., guests are invited to fuel up before the hike at an all-you-can-eat buffet. The menu features a soup, salad, hotdogs, hamburgers, wings, pulled pork and desserts. Menu items are subject to change throughout the season. Ticket prices vary depending on the day and include entrance to the show. Check the event’s website for availability as a few dates have already sold out.
SpookyZoo is another affair taking place alongside the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular. Running between the hours 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., SpookyZoo provides guests with an opportunity to view the animals. Costumes are encouraged and judged as part of a contest. There are a number of Trick-or-Treat areas for goodies to snack on while watching one of the carving demonstrations led by one of the professionals.
Behind the Scenes of the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular
Where does the carving begin? The majority of the artists work from a house based in Oxford, Ma. The team has been working vigorously since the middle of September to create the detailed pieces found throughout this event. Approximately 10,000 pumpkins are carved over the course of the show.
The Roger Williams Zoo is located 1,000 Elmwood Ave in Providence. Ticket prices do vary depending on the night of attendance. During the week, adult tickets are $12, senior tickets cost $10 and kids enter for $9. On Friday and Saturday nights, add a dollar to each of those totals to get in. Lines are a bit long but worth the wait. The additional events taking place have separate fees involved, all of which are listed on the event’s website.
Andrea Lettic - I am an introverted extrovert that loves to read, write and play poker. After graduating from Rutgers, I have worked writing company ...
