The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze returns to haunt the Hudson Valley

The Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze at Van Cortlandt Manor comes back to life on Friday, Sept. 15.

The Blaze has been one of the Lower Hudson Valley's most popular seasonal events since it opened in 2005 and a sure sign to residents that autumn is closing in. More than 7,000 pumpkins are lit up in colorful, hand-crafted sculptures and displays by local artists, creating a walk-through Halloween wonderland. But this year, organizers say the event will be bigger and brighter.

"About 20 years ago, we wanted to develop a Halloween event that would be much different from a typical haunted house," Rob Schweitzer, vice president of Historic Hudson Valley, said. "We hit on this idea of a display of jack-o-lanterns, and it's only grown bigger and more elaborate since then."

Historic Hudson Valley is a non-profit organization that "has long been the keeper of the legacy of Washington Irving and the heritage of Halloween in Sleepy Hollow Country," Schweitzer said. He said the event has attracted more than 2 million visitors to Westchester County from all over the country.

The event runs from Sept. 15 to Nov. 5. at the historic Van Cortlandt Manor in Croton-on-Hudson.

What's new this year?

Frightfully impressive sculptures can be found around every corner of the 18th century estate. From prehistoric dinosaur pumpkins to floating skeletons, the ideas get more creative each year. Schweitzer says artists and engineers spend a year brainstorming ideas and putting the sculptures together. "These are genuine works of art and feats of engineering ingenuity," he said.

Schweitzer said new sculptures like the country's first-ever fully operated pumpkin Ferris wheel, a jack-o-lantern circus and an ofrenda tribute to the Mexican Day of the Dead will join iconic staples like the Pumpkin Statue of Liberty, a colorful walk-through Pumpkin Planetarium and a hauntingly realistic replica of the Gov. Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Organizers estimate a walk-through of the property takes about 45 to 90 minutes.

The immersive Blaze experience also offers fall treats with plenty of pumpkin spice, snacks and local beer, as well as official merchandise at their Blaze Boo-tique. The event even comes with its own soundtrack.

Also new to the Blaze this year are mischievous tour guides and keepers of the Blaze, the Pumpkin Pals. "These are miniature characters scattered throughout the event helping to tell the story and provide context and meaning for visitors," Schweitzer said. "They are just hilarious, doing everything from playing cards and tippling brews at our tavern, to cowering in fear at the sight of the Headless Horseman."

How much are tickets?

Tickets are still available for the main event, but some dates have limited availability. Tickets are $37 for adults, $36 for seniors and $29 for children ages 3-17. Children under the age of 2 will be admitted for free. All ticket proceeds go to raising money for Historic Hudson Valley's cultural and educational programs.

Historic Hudson Valley says the Great Jack-o-Lantern Blaze will be held rain or shine. Parking is available on site.

Go: Van Cortlandt Manor, 525 South Riverside Ave., Croton-on-HudsonFor all dates and ticket options, visit pumpkinblaze.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: Great Jack-O-Lantern Blaze returns. What's new, what you need to know