Some folks have called or written inquiring about when the sun sets on Blaze evenings so they can plan accordingly. Great question!

If there's a knowledge gap, I aim to fill it. Thus, below are the relevant sunset times for Croton-on-Hudson, N.Y., according to the folks at the U.S. Naval Observatory. And remember, Daylight Savings Time continues throughout October this year, so the following are all shown in DST.

I should note, however, that Blaze works in any light, from the dim throes of final daylight, to dusk, to illuminated dark, to pitch black. Of course, the effect changes as the evening goes on (all the better for repeat, different time viewings).

When perusing the sunset times, keep in mind that Van Cortlandt Manor is wooded and kinda tucked into a valley. Darkness falls with some force.

For those who want to be darn sure it's as black as can be, be sure to book a 9 or 9:30 visit. No midnight sun, here.

Oct. 5 - 6:31
Oct. 6 - 6:30
Oct. 7 - 6:28
Oct. 11 - 6:21
Oct. 12 - 6:20
Oct. 13 - 6:18
Oct. 14 - 6:17
Oct. 18 - 6:11
Oct. 19 - 6:09
Oct. 20 - 6:08
Oct. 21 - 6:06
Oct. 24 - 6:02
Oct. 25 - 6:01
Oct. 26 - 5:59
Oct. 27 - 5:58
Oct. 28 - 5:56
Oct. 29 - 5:55
Oct. 30 - 5:54
Oct. 31 - 5:53

My my, you Blaze Blog readers have been very active with comments of late. Must be getting close to October!

Several have asked about the artists involved in the event, Michael Natiello (Blaze creative director) in particular, and whether the artists will be exhibiting work at the event.

Well, the event itself is a large-scale work in and of itself, so I think that counts.

For those of you who might be curious about the non-pumpkin mediums Michael works in, I've got two cool examples to share, both of a theme, it seems. At left is "Wheel of Fortune" and on the right is "Untitled."

Let Michael know what you think. Post your comments here. I'm pretty sure he reads this.

Yes, the design will seem a little familiar to you loyal Blaze Blog readers, but, I think that's the point.

What you are seeing here is the back of the 2007 official Blaze T-shirt. I absolutely adore the design. I love the idea of walking around with this shirt on knowing that my second pair of eyes is offering a wry grin for those who may be following me.

Not that I'm paranoid or anything, but you get the idea...

This sneak preview of the back has got me jonesing to see the front. But alas, my highly-placed Blaze retail source has not come through yet on a spy image. Soon, I hope.

The Blaze T-shirts, along with dozens of other Blaze-specific treats, will be available at The Great Jack O'Lantern Blaze Shop, open all 19 nights of the event.

And of course, don't forget, for the first time this year, art-pumpkins hand-carved on site by Blaze artists are available to take home. Gotta love it...

Got an updated image of the central core of the new spider web taking shape for Blaze 2007. As you can see, it's now studded with half-Jack carved funkins ready for lighting.

According to Creative Director Michael Natiello, this central portion of the web will have long tendrils of half-Jack carved regular pumpkins leading outward and connecting to trees.

Baby spiders will inhabit the web and its surrounds while Mama Spider looks on. Can't wait to see that.

In other Web news, I want to make sure all of you Blog denizens (and there are tons of you, which is great...Welcome!) are finding everything on this site related to HHV's October events.

Take a gander at the "Related Links" column on the right hand side of the page. You'll see links for the Blaze home page, the Legend Weekend home page, a Blaze FAQ (well worth a read, if only for question 42), a ticket buying page and...the page for the Blaze YouTube contest. Oh yeah, you heard right...a YouTube contest. More on that to follow...