MANSFIELD — One of the most anticipated events of the Halloween season returns Oct. 15 and 16 at Kingwood Center Gardens.
Featuring over 1,500 pumpkins, the sixth annual Great Pumpkin Glow will give visitors the chance to tour the grounds at Kingwood while viewing the craftsmanship of various pumpkin carvers.
Last year the event drew approximately 9,300 people, according to Holly Williams, visitor services manager. To accommodate the large volume of visitors, there will be extended walking paths along the South Trail.
The Great Pumpkin Glow will also feature “Scarecrow Row,” an array of scarecrow displays, as well as “Cut and Tell,” a special story-time provided by the Mansfield/Richland County Public Library at each half-hour during which children can cut out a story-themed picture to take home.
There will also be live music by The Travelin’ Man Band on Saturday night and EKG on Sunday night, food vendors, hay rides, a colonial wagon and wheel, and caricatures by Polly DeHays.
This Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Kingwood is hosting free pumpkin carving.
“This is becoming an event in and of itself,” Williams said.
Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided, and the pumpkins will remain at Kingwood to be displayed in the Pumpkin Glow.
Held rain or shine, the Pumpkin Glow will take place this Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 5 to 9 p.m.
Tickets cost $8 at the gate and $6 online. Children six and under get in free.
There are three locations for people to park: the Value City Furniture parking lot on Park Avenue West, STARTEK parking lot on West Fourth Street, and Mansfield Senior High School parking lot off West Fourth Street and West Park Boulevard. STARTEK will be providing hot chocolate at their lot on Saturday from 6 to 8 p.m.
Shuttles will pick-up and drop-off at the Value City Furniture and STARTEK parking lots. There will not be a shuttle at the Mansfield High School parking lot.
Shuttles should be on a 15 to 20 minute rotational system.
For more information, visit http://www.kingwoodcenter.org/pumpkin-glow.
