Realizing that fall in New England isn’t just about foliage and autumn getaways, but also it’s Halloween and pumpkins and scary stuff - I decided to switch gears and do something different for today’s post.

My family has enjoyed the Jack-O’-Lantern display at the Roger Williams Zoo since we discovered it a few years ago. Held in October it was sometimes a long wait in chilly or rainy weather, but always worth it.

Now… that’s all changed.

The show has a new warm home and it’s got bigger! I thought it was darn big as it was. But now the event has hooked up with the Great Pumpkin Show in Salem, New Hampshire, and this year it’ll be hosted at the dry, large, and indoor Boston Bayside Expo Center.

Scheduled dates at October 7-9, 13-16, and 20-29. Times will be weekday 6pm-11pm, Saturday 1pm-11pm, and Sunday 1pm-10pm.

Here’s what’s planned this year…

THE GREAT AMERICAN PUMPKIN FESTIVAL - 5,000 hand carved jaw-dropping how-the-heck-did-they-do-that-one jack-o’-lanterns.

THE INTERNATIONAL MONSTER MUSEUM - Walk amongst Hollywood’s most legendary creatures of the night!

THE CATACOOMBS - An eerie gothic journey into an ancient crypt.

GHOST MANOR - Apparently the Ghouls that dwell here are dying to meet you!

THE EXPERIMENT - You don’t want to know anything about this one.

But the main attraction for me is not the haunted houses but the wonderfully carved pumpkins. I drool over them in awe. Mine seem to collapse in on themselves in a horrible gooey mess just a few days after I finish it.

So how do they do it and keep them looking magnificent for the best part of a month?

Teamwork seems to be the secret.

After the pumpkins are purchased a special “gutting brigade” cleans out the pulp and soaks the pumpkins with watered down fungicide - so that’s what’s missing from my process!

Then for about a week art school graduates using special paring knives take off a thin layer of rind, making carvings that are amazing in their detail. A different team works on producing what is called “fillers”, which are simple design lanterns that can be carved really quickly.

This really is a not to be missed show. But now the bad news…

Because this year’s show has gone up-market so has the price. Ticket prices this year are: adults - $24.50, kids 4-12 $18.50, and kids 3 or under are FREE.

If you’re an AAA member you get a 10% discount if you show your card.

Personally I think the price is a little steep, especially as my family isn’t the haunted house type. Going for just the pumpkin show should be a separate price. However, because we enjoy the wonderful carvings we’ll go and I’ll report on it in this Blog shortly after.

If you’re looking for other attractions or activities in Boston then be sure to visit my Boston vacations page by clicking here.

Have a great week,

Cliff Calderwood
Expert New England Traveler
Author of The Guide “Popular Fall Foliage Scenic Drive in New England” and available FREE at his New England Vacations Online Guide website.