Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze lights up the night in Old Bethpage for 5th consecutive year

The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Old Bethpage has hundreds of Long Islanders in awe by the designs made out of pumpkins.

Jon Dowding

Oct 5, 2024, 2:25 AM

Updated 1 hr ago

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The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze in Old Bethpage has hundreds of Long Islanders in awe by the designs made out of pumpkins.
Doors opened Friday night for the 2024 Halloween season. Joe Romeo, of Patchogue, says he couldn’t believe all the different designs.
"Fire engines, cops, all of this stuff. Lady Liberty is great," he said. “That is nuts, the talent behind this stuff.”
Stella Rivando, of East Islip, says she is always impressed by the designs on the pumpkin every year.
"It's just crazy talented these people are and they're able to do such little designs in the pumpkins,” she said.
Now in its fifth year, the event has dozens of intricate designs made from pumpkins. Lead pumpkin carver Carol Hough, who spent over a month carving thousands of pumpkins with her staff, says it takes a whole community to put this together.
"Girl Scout Troops, Boy Scout Troops, they come in and they light candles and stuff for us. So it's not just us working on it, there's a big feeling of community here,” she said.
Historic Hudson Valley helps put together the event every year. Historic Hudson Valley Vice president of communications and commerce Rob Schweitzer says this unique Halloween event brings lots of treats without any scary tricks.
"It's not something that's spooky or scary. You know, no one is jumping out at you or anything like that. So it really is great for all ages."
Linda Romeo, of Patchogue, says don’t miss out on this great way to celebrate Halloween on the island.
"Don't miss it, it looks like it's going to be a lot of fun, and enjoy yourself!” she said.
All of the proceeds raised from the ticket sales go right back to the Old Bethpage Village Restoration.