21. I subscribe to Pumpkin Fancy magazine. I need to know in advance what kind of pumpkins I’ll be seeing.
The Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze features Howden pumpkins.

22. I’ve never heard of this “pumpkin.” Tell me about them!
Pumpkins are fruits. A pumpkin is a type of squash and is a member of the gourd family (Cucurbitacae), which also includes squash, cucumbers, gherkins, and melons. They have been grown in North America for five thousand years and are indigenous to the western hemisphere. In 1584, after French explorer Jacques Cartier explored the St. Lawrence region of North America, he reported finding “gros melons.” The name was translated into English as “pompions,” which has since evolved into the modern “pumpkin.”

23. Who carved all these pumpkins and how long does it take?
Creative Director Michael Natiello leads a team of Historic Hudson Valley staff, volunteers, and local artists. Watch the HVBlog for our Meet the Carvers video series where we’ll be profiling all of them throughout the fall!

24. And what about the prep work?
In 2008, more than 1,000(!) volunteers helped Blaze by doing vital scooping and lighting work. Among the organization’s helping with the scooping and lighting this year are New York Life Insurance Company, Westchester and Putnam ARC, Another Step, Living Resources of Northern Westchester, Cardinal McClusky School, Even Start, Pace University students and faculty, Croton and Ossining High Schools, John Jay Middle School, Rye Country Day School, Westchester Putnam Boy Scouts, Yorktown Missionaries Church of LDS, Heart of the Hudson Girl Scouts, Stamford (Conn.) Girl Scouts, United Way Volunteer Center, Historic Hudson Valley staff and volunteers from all of our sites, and many others who just like to pitch in! Rye Country Day School, in particular, has gone out of its way this year to help, renting buses to bring the kids in to help scoop! The New York Life Insurance Company also deserves special mention this year for the outstanding job they are doing recruiting scores of volunteers.

25. This is a LOT of work! When exactly did the carving begin?
Carving of the art pumpkins began in June. The real pumpkins are carved throughout October. Prior to each event week, it takes 15 to 20 volunteers several days of scooping pulp and seeds from the pumpkins to get them ready for the carvers. Many of the pumpkins must be replaced during the four weeks of the event.

26. Wow! What else do the volunteers do?
During each night of the event, it takes 15 to 20 volunteers to light the votive candles in the pumpkins. They start lighting about three hours before the event begins.

27. I like lighting up the lives of others and my dog gives me plenty of scooping practice. Can I volunteer?
Absolutely, contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it and tell her about your interest.

28. Where can I learn how to carve elaborate designs on a pumpkin?
CLICK HERE for some tips from Michael Natiello on taking your pumpkin carving to the next level. You will also find a selection of books about pumpkin carving at The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze Shop.

29. You must seriously pack in the visitors. How many people come to Van Cortlandt Manor for Blaze?
Last year’s event drew 73,000 visitors, nearly doubling the 36,000 visitors from 2006 and almost quadrupling the 18,000 who visited in 2005.

30. Is Blaze handicapped accessible? What about strollers?
Blaze is handicapped accessible, as there are no stairs to negotiate through the installation. However, there are some narrow and slightly sloped brick paths and it is a walk-through experience. Handicapped parking is available, but you must have a handicapped placard or plate. Strollers are permitted, but keep in mind that strollers which are particularly wide may not fit through some of the site’s more narrow passageways.

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