MANSFIELD, Ohio — Kingwood Center Gardens will be illuminated by close to 1,000 jack-o-lanterns Oct. 17-18 for the Great Pumpkin Glow.
Visitors can tour the grounds while viewing the craftsmanship of various pumpkin carvers.
Bonnie Gross, visitor services manager, said, “It’s a huge community effort,” in reference to the pumpkin carving, which is done by local students and residents, as well as Kingwood volunteers.
Kingwood Center’s Exhibit Hall will be open from 3-7 p.m. on Oct. 14-16 for free pumpkin carving. Pumpkins and carving tools will be provided, and the pumpkins will remain at Kingwood to be displayed in the pumpkin glow.
In addition to the hundreds of uniquely carved pumpkins, the pumpkin glow will feature horse-drawn hayrides that cost $3, food vendors, glowing balloons and wands for sale, face painting, autumn displays and more.
Admission costs $5 per person. Children six and under can attend free of charge. Order online or purchase tickets at the gate the night of the event.
The event will be held from 5-10 p.m. on Oct. 17 and from 5-9 p.m. on Oct. 18.
All parking will be at Mansfield Senior High School, which will be accessible via the West Park Boulevard entrance. There will be shuttle buses to transport visitors who don’t wish to walk from the parking lot to the Kingwood Linden Road entrance.
Kingwood Center grounds will be closed Oct. 17 and 18 until 5 p.m. in preparation for the pumpkin glow.
“We’re really excited and honored to be able to host this event,” Gross said. “It’s a family-oriented event with a beautiful fall ambiance that’s great for all ages.”
