The fourth annual Jack-o-lantern Trail returns to McConnell Springs Park next week, when hundreds of carved pumpkins illuminate the trail for four spellbinding nights, Oct. 25 – 28. Lexington Parks and Recreation is asking residents to donate carved pumpkins to make the event possible. Patrons can donate a single pumpkin or families and groups can donate multiple, with special themes or sculptures encouraged!
“The Jack-o-lantern Trail, which is comprised of all donated pumpkins by the community, has become one of Lexington’s favorite fall events,” said Amber Luallen, Superintendent of Cultural Arts & Events for Lexington Parks & Recreation. “This magical event pairs amazing, artistic creations with local food and drink vendors and bonfires for make-your-own s’mores. We truly appreciate the community donating pumpkins to make this another amazing year!”
Pumpkin donors receive a commemorative poster by Cricket Press, in addition to a voucher to attend the 2023 Jack-o-lantern Trail for free. Pumpkins need to be carved and dropped off at McConnell Springs Park, Oct. 22 – 25. Interested people or groups can donate their jack-o-lanterns by submitting a Pumpkin Pledge at lexingtonky.gov/jack-o-lantern-trail.
Returning after being a popular addition last year, is the Carve & Chip’n event, which is designed to make it even easier to carve and donate your pumpkins. The public are invited to bring their own pumpkins to McConnell Springs Park on Sunday, October 22, where staff will have carving tools and stencils available to assist with carving your masterpiece to add to the trail.
This year’s Jack-o-lantern Trail will take place 6:30 – 10 p.m. each evening, Oct. 25 – 28. Admission is $6 per person at the gate (children 12 and under free). All proceeds from the event benefit McConnell Springs. People are also welcome to walk the trail during the day for free.
Over the coming weeks, Lexington Parks & Recreations has numerous fall events and programs to help you celebrate and enjoy the season:
- Oct. 21 | History & Mysteries at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Oct. 21 | Halloween Printmaking at Artworks at the Carver School
- Oct. 21 & 28 | Pumpkin Carving at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Oct. 22 | Carve & Chip’n at McConnell Springs Park
- Oct. 23 | Haunted House at Kenwick Community Center
- Oct. 25 | Fright Night Bingo at Kenwick Community Center
- Oct. 25 | Yappy Hour Howloween Party at Wellington Park
- Oct. 25 – 28 | Jack-o-lantern Trail at McConnell Springs Park
- Oct. 27 | October Festival Costume Party at Dunbar Community Center
- Oct. 28 | Jr. Explorers: Spooky Spiders at McConnell Springs Park
- Oct. 28 | Full Moon Hike at Raven Run Nature Sanctuary
- Oct. 29 | Thriller & Halloween Parade and Halloween Variety Show in Downtown
- Nov. 2 | Day of the Dead Festival at Valley Park
For more information about these events and programs, ghouls, witches, and all their spooky friends can visit lexingtonky.gov/halloween
Parks & Recreation, a division of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, oversees the programming, maintenance, and development of over 100 city parks and natural areas, six pools, five golf courses, community centers, recreational programs, and three arts venues. To find out more, follow @LexKYParks on Facebook or Instagram, or sign up for the email newsletter.
