Past work includes images of actors, historical figures, fictional characters, movie scenes, animals, traditional jack-o’-lantern faces and pretty much anything the artists dream up. Once given the theme, the artists carve people, places and things that are easily recognizable to those walking the path. “It’ll be broken down into regions depicting that region’s famous events, landmarks, industry-whatever is the most dynamic, compelling thing that represents it.” “All 50 states will be represented,” he said. Reckner said there is an overall theme of the show each year this year, it’s “America the Beautiful.” The jack-o’-lanterns range from a half-pound to a 1,900-pound pumpkin, with most representing a specific theme. If it rains, we go through more, and if it’s humid, we go through more … We pick up the ‘dead soldiers’ that rot and fall during the night.” These are replaced with freshly carved pumpkins. “We try to maintain 5,000 on the path,” Cadieux said. More than 30 artists from around the country spend the month in Louisville carving thousands of pumpkins. So, exactly why is this becoming a tradition? Cadieux credits word of mouth from folks who are amazed at the intricately carved jack-o’-lanterns. “It’s a family-friendly event at Halloween, which can be hard to find.” “The goal, or mission, is to create a family tradition,” said Paul Cadieux, a Passion for Pumpkins co-owner. “By the second year, we doubled the attendance.” “We didn’t realize this, but Louisville loves Halloween,” said Travis Reckner, one of the owners of Passion for Pumpkins. To date, the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular has brought more than 70,000 people to the park. Passion for Pumpkins, a multimedia production company, first brought its elaborate display of pumpkins to the park in 2013, and the number of people attending the event each year has grown exponentially. It’s important to note the terrain, as attendees may be distracted (and how can they not be?) by the 5,000 or so artistically carved pumpkins lining the walkway. Visitors enter behind the Iroquois Amphitheater and proceed along a soft woodland path that has a few steep slopes. Sundays through Thursdays, and at midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. The quarter-mile trail opens at dusk and closes at 11 p.m. This year’s Spectacular, held in Iroquois Park in the city’s South End, is set for Oct. It’s really a win-win for the community.” “Funding has allowed us to build an inclusive playground and make improvements to our local parks. “Not only is Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular an amazing family event, the proceeds benefit the Louisville Parks Foundation,” said Erika Nelson, the community relations administrator for Louisville Metro Parks and Recreation. Yes, pumpkins.įor the past three years, proceeds from Louisville’s Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular have gone toward improving the city’s parks and recreation areas. It’s just another day at Louisville’s California Park, and the kids are playing on new and improved playground sets, thanks, in part, to pumpkins. Squeals of delight can be heard as children hop, jump and walk through sprays of water fountains. A little girl giggles as she swings higher and higher. A little boy smiles as he glides smoothly down a shiny new slide.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |