For the second year in a row, my family and I made the five-hour voyage, from Rochester, New York, and down to the lower Hudson Valley. Although it was a multi-purpose trip, we all most looked forward to the 15-minute drive, from our hotel in nearby Tarrytown, up to Croton-on-Hudson, which is where the Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze is annually held.
It was not the mind-blowing experience we all had in 2010, when it was our first time traversing through the hallowed riverside grounds of Van Cortlandt Manor and the thousands of elaborately carved and arranged jack o'lanterns. Yet this year's event, to which we attended on Sunday, October 9, was nearly as thrilling, as we were expecting to encounter further thematic changes in 2011.
Nevertheless, there are abundant reasons to make the trip to Croton-on-Hudson to walk the sacred manor's rolling landscape, soak in the crisp fall air, and enjoy the ostentatiously fruitful displays. Here are five reasons to like the Blaze:
1) It is suitable for the entire family. I have not found any particular exhibit to be scary or designed with the sole purpose of frightening audiences. The only truly spook-inducing aspect of the entire event is the atmospheric music that originates at the underwater aquarium and dinosaur expositions and which elicits a sort of mystical feel to the proceedings. Not once did I hear a child complain, let alone cry out in fear, which to me is a clear indication that the Blaze is applicable for people of all ages.
2) Its accessibility. Situated just off of Route 9, a major thoroughfare in the Hudson Valley that runs parallel to the Hudson River, directions to the Blaze are fairly simplistic. Furthermore, parking at the event is free. There are several contracted attendants, in addition to local law enforcement, that sufficiently enable the heavy vehicular traffic flow into and out of the expansive lot to move briskly and safely.
3) The "Cool Factor." Whether or not there are new and better exhibits on display in 2011, the fact that a collection of 4,000 or so glowing, painstakingly-crafted jack o'lanterns, which are curiously perched and assembled along the grounds of an historic Hudson Valley manor, and that it is all just a short drive away from legendary Sleepy Hollow... is pretty cool.
4) Availability. For 2011, Historic Hudson Valley, the organization that primarily sponsors this highly popular event, is presenting the Blaze on an unprecedented 21 evenings. Opening night was Saturday, October 1, with the finale occurring on Sunday, November 6. Starting times were initially 7:30pm in order for the darker skies to envelope the hauntingly lit grounds. Yet the further we have advanced into the fall season, the nighttime skies arrive progressively earlier, enabling the starting times to be moved up. Hundreds of tickets, which are time-stamped to ensure a steady flow of visitors and not a crush of people at any one time, are made available to the general public well in advance of this event's commencement.
5) It Is A Great Show. The tickets for the Blaze are not cheap. Tickets for adults are $16 apiece; $20 on Saturdays. For children ages 5 to 17, ticket prices are $12; $16 apiece on Saturday night. The high ticket prices notwithstanding, this particular event showcases the remarkably innovative talents of local artists. Working in conjunction with the hundreds of dedicated volunteers, the artists and all other participants prepare for months up until, and certainly during the event's five-week run, to conduct such an engaging spectacle night after night.
Because of the Blaze's immense popularity, several of the scheduled evening viewings are sold out well in advance. Several of the Halloween night and final weekend time slots in early November are still reflecting availability. Don't hesitate though, as these windows of opportunities close up fast.
Sources
(2011). Historic Hudson Valley: The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze
(2011). Historic Hudson Valley: Van Cortlandt Manor
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