The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns: What to Expect

Today I got a chance to attend the “Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns”, an event featuring over 5,000 real pumpkins at the Meadowlands Expo Center in Secaucus.

Here are 5 things to expect from the event:

1. Pumpkins! I know, it’s a given but there are lots of pumpkins to take in at the event. They range from simple to very, very intricate. Lots of detail!

2. The event is INSIDE. Yes, don’t worry about the rain because you and the pumpkins will stay dry.

3. The event is very family friendly. Unless your kids are afraid of the dark, make sure you bring them. They’ll love the kid friendly pumpkins ranging from Disney to Dinosaurs.

4. Snoopy! The Rise of the Jack O’Lanterns event features pumpkin art celebrating 50 years of “It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown”.

5. Pop Culture for everyone! Star wars? Check! Marvel and DC? Check! Walking Dead? Check! These pumpkins will excite any pop culture nerd.

If you can make it to event this weekend, I would recommend it. There’s lots of pumpkin, pumpkin carving demos, and Fall treats for purchase.

More pictures HERE

Press Release:

Today, the RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns debuted in New Jersey after sold-out events in New York and Los Angeles, and tickets are on sale to the public online now (www.therise.org/njny)! With four dates to see this iconic fall event, RISE will bring out the Halloween spirit in visitors of all ages, indoors at the Meadowlands Exposition Center, from October 27 – 30.

“We are so excited to expand the geographic reach for RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns, bringing it to a new market like the Meadowlands for Halloween 2016,” said Mike Pollock, executive producer, RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns. “We look forward to providing a new and exciting attraction for adults and children of all ages throughout New Jersey, and the New York metro area, to enjoy during Halloween weekend.”

RISE provides a unique, memorable family-friendly experience with over 5,000 hand-carved illuminated jack o’lanterns creatively arranged along a scenic walking path, set to a musical score. Jack o’lantern art will include individual time-honored characters from American pop culture, multi-pumpkin artistic structures including life-sized dinosaurs and dragons, and intricately carved 100-pound pumpkins. With multiple live carving stations, visitors can watch our talented artists create the different displays seen in the show.

“The fall has always been my favorite season,” Pollock continued. “It’s been a long tough road to make this work over the past five years. I’m lucky to have found great people to work with.”

“We have a large staff that works every week of the year to make sure have a successful event in October,” says Tom Olton, Resident Master Carver for RISE. “This year, we will have over 150 artists working on both coasts. A few dozen are from the five boroughs (NYC), most from Brooklyn.”

The pumpkin trail at RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns is well-lit and well-staffed to ensure that the experience is always safe and enjoyable for visitors of all ages. Advance tickets are REQUIRED, with no tickets sold at the door. Ticket information can be found at www.therise.org/njny.