Due to the extreme weather conditions in Westchester County this evening, Historic Hudson Valley is canceling both The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze and Legend Weekend for Friday, Oct. 19.

Obviously, this is extremely disappointing news for everyone.

But, ticket holders are getting an AUTOMATIC full refund applied to their credit card. There is no need to call or e-mail. Ticket holders for tonight are encouraged to book another separate reservation. (You can't "exchange" these tickets. So, book your new tickets knowing that you are being refunded for tonight's tickets.) There's availability for Blaze on Oct. 24-25 and 29-31. Legend Weekend has availability on Oct. 20 and 26-28.

Members who had booked reservations for either event tonight may attend any other evening IN THE SAME TIME SLOT as your reservation for tonight. You must bring your tickets from tonight for entry on the alternate night.

Already been to Blaze but STILL need a Halloween fix? Legend Weekend may be just what the witch doctor (heh heh) has ordered. Legend takes place at Philipsburg Manor in the iconic burg of Sleepy Hollow, just south of Croton (via Briarcliff) and right on Route 9.

Legend Weekend is a classic Halloween event that's long been sponsored by Historic Hudson Valley, the same folks who bring you Blaze.

Perhaps the coolest part of Legend is the ride of the Headless Horseman. Yes, it's a real horseman. Yes, he's really headless (well, not REALLY headless, but, come on, you know what I mean). Yes, he rides a real stallion.

And there's plenty more. Philipsburg Manor is transformed from an historic 18^th-century farm and gristmill to a ghostly, haunted arena, lit by candle lanterns and bonfires. Besides the Headless one, there's a colorful, creepy cast of characters straight out of Hudson Valley folklore roaming the grounds. Come in costume and blur the line a bit.

New this year, Emmy award-winning lighting designer Deke Hazirjian of New York City Lites is using his skills to boost the atmosphere (His credits include "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" and MTV's New Year's Eve specials.)

Legend kicks off tonight, continues tomorrow, and takes place next Friday-Sunday.

Click here for the full story.

The contest is closed and the entries are in (and they are blazing). When will the winner be announced? Next Thursday. Not tonight, sorry folks. I know, I know, you're disappointed. But, patience is a virtue.

More carver profiles and Blaze photos and whatnot coming tomorrow...

Joining us now on the "carving board" (heh heh) is Janice Shields.

BB: What's your day job?
JS: Working right here at Van Cortlandt Manor.

BB: What kind of carvings are you working on for Blaze 2007?
JS: This and that.
BB: You give nothing away!
JS: I know.

BB: Are you working on any other Blaze-related items?
JS: I clean up everyone's mess. That's the bad part. But, I also make soup for the Blaze troops. That's the good part.

BB: What are your preferred carving tools and methods?
JS: Nothing in particular.
BB: Like I said earlier...

BB: Got any carving tips for a novice?
JS: Be patient.

BB: What's your favorite pumpkin-based food?
JS: After all of this, I couldn't handle anything made with pumpkin.

BB: What's your favorite Halloween movie?
JS: Arachnophobia, even if it's not specifically a Halloween movie.

BB: Toasted pumpkin seeds: Salt or no salt?
JS: Lots of salt and other spices.

BB: What makes pumpkins so special?
JS: They turn into Jack O'Lanterns.

BB: If I were a carved pumpkin, I'd be...
JS: Rotting.

BB: Thank you, Janice!