Incredible Carved Creations at #Pumpkinferno
We can all agree that a quintessential decorating element of fall is pumpkins. For me, it’s carved pumpkins. From grinning Jack-O-Lanterns to elaborate designs, they all delight me! My love for these Halloween icons brings me back, year after year to #Pumpkinferno for the incredible displays!
Alert! This blog depicts how your evening could unfold, and without knowing how many pumpkin displays are new this year, there may be a few spoilers.
Note: Pumpkinferno is happening at both Upper Canada Village and Kingston Penitentiary this year – and tickets are only available online!
Dinner Reservations at Willard’s Hotel
Mike and I have learned from previous visits that it’s best to enter the village before Pumpkinferno opens – and eat dinner!
It’s an incredibly popular annual event held at Upper Canada Village. In recent years, it drew so many visitors that the number of tickets for each night had to be limited to ensure everyone could enter and enjoy the sights!
How do you do that? Well, it’s easy. Number one, buy your tickets online and number two, call to make reservations at Willard’s Hotel (as we did) or the Harvest Barn.
Before opening night, we made our reservations for 5:30 pm, allowing for a leisurely meal. We were met at the Village entrance, tickets scanned, and Mike and I headed for the sit-down dining location.
This year, there is a prix-fixe menu, which includes a starter, main and dessert plus (non-alcoholic) drinks. There was a sumptuous selection, including vegetarian options.
Early Entry to Pumpkinferno
The crowd was gathering, and it was almost time for the gates to officially open. I can feel the anticipation in the air, we are all milling about, taking photos of the carved pumpkins lit with the word: Pumpkinferno, lined up next to it are the glowing partner logos.
Finally, we saw people starting to move across the bridge and starting their tour. We chose to let some of the groups disperse before we started following the path laid out before us.
As we move toward the tour entrance, the tall, dark and handsome Jack is there to greet us silently. A single finger points everyone in the right direction.
I feel a surge of excitement – we’re about to lay our eyes on new displays and (returning) creations!
Returning Favourites
Between the ‘War of 1812’ memorial and the ‘Fur Trade,’ I spot another returning display that I’d hoped to see again – ‘The Upper Canada Village People.’ They aren’t just characters; they are lifesize sculptures of the artisans who bring history to life at Upper Canada Village.
I couldn’t help but smile back at the Village teacher, cheesemaker, spinner, baker, and blacksmith.
The intricate designs of “Legends from Our Lands” are so beautiful. The creators of Pumpkinferno worked with Akwesasne artist Victoria Ransom to accurately show and depict the stories of the land.
Canadian Classics
I can feel the excitement in the crowd. Some are gazing at it for the first time, others are enjoying the different eyes because ‘Patriotic Pastimes’ was back in a new way.
The two Hockey teams are playing across the pond and are casting a gorgeous reflection in the water. The ripples and light on the surface gave the impression of movement, that the game was just about to start.
On this side of the water, an enthusiastic fan (inspired by the book “Hockey Sweater”) is cheering on the hockey players wearing his favourite jersey.
There are lacrosse players and a silhouette fishing in the calm pond waters, completing this vision of Canadian pastimes.
Travel Tips
Outstanding Art
‘Night at the Gallery’ is a fan favourite.
From a Van Gogh self-portrait to the Mona Lisa’s smile and a Group of Seven masterpiece, there are multiple famous paintings recreated for our delight. The Pumpkinferno artists are displaying incredible talent with this historic tribute.
Out of this World
The entire time we were touring Pumpkinferno, I was looking for this!
Beyond a doubt, this is my favourite display. From the astronaut to the rocketship and planets, the carved space theme is, to be corny, out of this world.
Painting and drawing imaginary planets and solar systems is a recurring subject in my artwork, so you can see how this ‘Pumpkin Planetarium’ might have a special place in my heart.
DANGER! Dinosaurs ahead!
You can hear the roars on the approach, and soon, the dinosaur sounds are combined with the oohs and ahhs of the crowd.
We are all overwhelmed by how awesome the life-sizes Tyrannosaurus, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and two Velociraptors. They are magnificent. I’d seen the Trex prior in photo to visiting the Village, but nothing compared to standing so close to them.
The ‘Mesozoic Monsters’ were a definite hit with young, old and everyone in between. I’m sure a few thousand pictures were taken that night, at least.
I can’t imagine how many hours were needed to plan out and create these huge carvings. I can say with confidence that we were all blown over by the artistic skills on display.
Drowning in Design
Walking underwater took my breath away. The sea floor was decorated with everything from shells and clams to crabs and starfish. There was a puffer fish, shark, octopus, a whale, turtles and more.
This salty adventure through the ocean and seeing the ‘Creatures of the Current’ went beyond expectations.
Don’t Forget Your Ticket!
Tickets sell out fast every year – get yours online well ahead of time because you cannot purchase them on location. Friday and Saturday tend to be the busiest nights, while Thursday and Sunday are slightly slower. Either way, it’s best to have pre-purchased your passes because it’s very likely there won’t be any available at the gate.
It’s fair to expect a lineup when you arrive, but the gate is very efficient at getting crowds through and into the Village. The wait isn’t long before you can begin your tour of the pumpkin displays.
You’ll have a HOOT!
Dress warmly for your walk through the Village, as it is located next to the St. Lawrence River.
Cool breezes turn to cold quickly in the fall. As the wind builds speed, it becomes quite chilly coming across the water.
Check the forecast for drizzles so you’ll know if waterproof jackets are needed. The roads will be muddy if it has rained recently, so choose appropriate footwear!
Taking photos and sharing online is encouraged! The Village has wifi, so you can post as you go – and don’t forget to tag #Pumpkinferno!
Read about more fall activities at Fort Henry
