Roger Williams Park Zoo once again hosts the JACK-O-LANTERN SPECTACULAR, an annual fundraising event put together by a company called Passion For Pumpkins. This fall tradition, despite its late start due to inclement weather (we had more rain in the 3 days leading up to the show than we did all spring and summer combined), is now in full swing and is not to be missed! This year’s theme is People’s Choice, taking the best skits from past shows and combining them into one mega-presentation.

Working at the zoo has made me appreciate all of the work that goes into this show, not only on the trail itself but with everything going on throughout the rest of the zoo as well. This year’s setup was particularly fun for me since I am a yard haunter and was able to use these skills to help create some fun skits of our own for guests to enjoy while they wait in line. Just keep in mind if visiting, especially on the weekends, that we draw people from all over the world which means that not only lines to park but to get into the event can be long. The event is worth the wait though!

Skeleton painting a creepy picture!

Killer plants!

Spider attack!

I present to you a sampling of what you may see in this year’s presentation. Though these pics are actually from this year’s show, pumpkins are constantly being changed out as the weather takes its toll and the jack-o-lanterns start to rot and turn moldy. You could actually see this show once a week for the entire month of October and each visit will promise new delights! ENJOY!

Trail entrance!

Boris Karloff as Frankenstein!

Lon Chaney, Jr. as the Phantom!

Bela Lugosi as Dracula!

Even the freaks are there!

Rowdy Roddy Piper got his own pumpkin in the Memorial section!

~David Albaugh