As fall settles in, many SUNY Cortland students from Long Island are already familiar with The Great Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Blaze in Bethpage, an autumn tradition that never fails to impress. This year, the event ran from October 4th to November 3rd, perfectly aligning with Cortland’s fall break, making it the ideal opportunity for Long Island students to head home and immerse themselves in a stunning display of creativity and color. The Pumpkin Blaze offers the perfect combination of seasonal fun and a well-timed break, allowing students to reconnect with this beloved local tradition.
Held in the historic Old Bethpage Village, a 19th-century ‘living museum,’ the event is a family-friendly experience that draws visitors of all ages. The village spans 209 acres and hosts a variety of cultural celebrations throughout the year. In addition to the Pumpkin Blaze, Old Bethpage Village will feature exciting upcoming events, including the 1863 Thanksgiving Celebration on November 30th and December 1st, St. Nicholas Day on December 7th and 8th, and the magical Candlelight Evenings from December 20th to 23rd and December 26th to 29th. Many of these events coincide with SUNY Cortland’s Winter break, making it the perfect time for students to take part.
As a student who had the chance to attend the Pumpkin Blaze this year, I can say with confidence that it did not disappoint. Walking along the trail, I was surrounded by thousands of hand-carved jack o’lanterns, each glowing with vibrant colors and perfectly synchronized to an original soundtrack. With every twist and turn offering something new and exciting It truly felt like stepping into a pumpkin wonderland. From giant carved pumpkins to the whimsical working Ferris wheel, there was no shortage of awe-inspiring sights. One of the highlights was the Pumpkin Long Island Hall of Fame, where iconic figures like Jerry Seinfeld and Billy Joel were honored in pumpkin form, an unexpected yet fun tribute to the island’s most famous residents.
A standout addition this year was the Day of the Dead tribute, a heartfelt and visually stunning homage to Long Island’s vibrant Hispanic communities. It was truly special to see such an important cultural event seamlessly woven into the fabric of an already beloved tradition, adding depth and diversity to the overall experience. The tribute felt both meaningful and celebratory, bringing together different communities in a shared appreciation of artistry and culture.
Alongside new features, some classic favorites made their return, ensuring the event remained as magical as ever. The Pumpkin Planetarium, with its glowing display of a starry pumpkin sky, continued to captivate visitors, while the breathtaking lighthouse display, towering and intricately carved, once again stood as a highlight of the trail. These timeless elements, alongside new additions, combined to create a perfect blend of tradition and innovation, making the Pumpkin Blaze an even more unforgettable experience
Beyond the glowing pumpkins, there was plenty more to enjoy. I treated myself to a delicious cider donut at Café Blaze. The event also introduced a new Celebration Arch for photo ops and exclusive souvenirs at the Blaze Boo-tique. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, the Pumpkin Blaze is an unforgettable way to celebrate the season!