Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular returns to Roger Williams Zoo

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — The Jack-o-Lantern Spectacular has returned to the Roger Williams Zoo.

The theme for the event, now in its thid decade, is “Wanderlust.”

The path for the event contains 5,000 pumpkins, ranging from small faces to intricate works of art.

The pumpkins are carved by a team of around 20 experts, who work nonstop from September, when the pumpkins become available, to opening day.

“Well, at my age I would have never thought I’d still be doing this,” event founder John Reckner said. “But it’s just amazing that every year the crowds just kept getting bigger. If I go somewhere, I’ll go somewhere once, twice, I’ve been there done that. But they come back every year, I think we had 160 thousand people here and that’s close to our record.”

Reckner says they have to replace the pumpkins every week, meaning by the time all is said and done, they’ve gone through more than 20,000 pumpkins.

The event runs through October 31st and tickets are only available online.