Come One, Come All!
It’s Showtime at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead After Dark!
11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular October 17th, 18th & 19th
South Paris, Maine (September 19, 2024) – The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead announces its signature fall event – “The 11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular,” a community favorite, built to astonish and amaze, and to help celebrate the Halloween season.
The 11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular will light up the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead and delight children, families and adults with over 300 beautifully carved pumpkins and intricate displays featuring a “circus” theme this year. The 11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular has expanded to three evenings – Thursday, October 17th, Friday, October 18th and Saturday, October 19th from 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Outside, in the garden, guests will enjoy the magical and electrifying displays of pumpkins and lights, while inside the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s historic barn visitors may have fun creating memorable circus-themed souvenirs in a photo booth. After a walk through the lighted displays along the McLaughlin Garden paths, all may enjoy complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate as they marvel about their favorite pumpkins.
“We hope all will share in this magical experience as our outdoor season at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead comes to a close,” said Interim Director, Leslie Guenther. “We are delighted to celebrate the fall harvest season with our local and broader communities, and we hope you will join us for an enchanting evening.”
Preparing for this event requires many hands, and you can do your part by carving your very own pumpkins to be included as a part of our displays. Fully gutted and ready to carve pumpkins will be available at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead from 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on both Tuesday, October 15th and Wednesday, October 16th. All are welcome, and there is no fee or advanced registration required to participate in the pumpkin carving.
The pumpkins for the 2024 Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular were grown locally on Paris Hill at Russ and Judy Florenz’s Sunny Croft Farm in collaboration with the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s horticulturist, Corey Kotfila and the help of a summer garden intern from the MSAD #17 Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School’s Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Program.
Leigh St. Pierre, President of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead Board of Directors, shared, “We were given the opportunity to grow our own pumpkins locally this year with the help of our generous volunteers Russ and Judy Florenz, so we took them up on their offer to utilize space at their farm.” Ms. St. Pierre went on to say, “We are thankful to all of our supporters, members and sponsors who contribute to the success of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead and to our events and programs. We hope everyone will come and enjoy our 11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular – it’s fun for all ages!”
Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular is one of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s most anticipated events each season, and it is a major fundraising event for the McLaughlin Garden. Proceeds from the event provide the critical funding to sustain the garden grounds and support the wide range of programs offered each season. The McLaughlin Garden and Homestead is committed to our local and broader communities, and we extend free and low-cost programming for all ages whenever possible. The McLaughlin Garden provides a beautiful, safe and healthy environment that nurtures discovery, creativity and connections.
The 11th Annual Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular is made possible thanks to the generous support of the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead’s sponsors: 2024 season sponsor – MaineHealth Stephens Hospital; and to our event sponsors – Northeast Bank, Norway Savings Bank, Oxford County Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram, Oxford Plaza, Perfect Stitch Embroidery, and Ripley & Fletcher Ford.
Admission to Jack-O’-Lantern Spectacular is $8 per person, or two for $15, and there is no charge for children two and under. You may pay upon entry and both cash and credit cards are accepted.
For more information, please see the McLaughlin Garden events page at www.mclaughlingarden.org or call (207) 743-8820 to learn more about this event and other programs at the McLaughlin Garden and Homestead.
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ABOUT McLaughlin Garden and Homestead
The McLaughlin Garden is home to one of the largest collections of lilacs in New England, with 125 varieties on more than 200 trees. The garden collection also includes an impressive array of hostas, daylilies, astilbes, iris, phlox, wildflowers and ferns. Each year, the McLaughlin Garden welcomes nearly 10,000 visitors who come to enjoy the garden as well as our special programs and events. Now over 80 years old, the landmark two-acre garden, historic barn, and home are under the stewardship of the McLaughlin Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Kimberly J. Poland, Poland Media Group – 401-743-7272, kimberly@polandmediagroup.com
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