Great pumpkins to rise at outdoor jack-o-lantern event in Calgary
Organizers of Pumpkins After Dark are preparing for the upcoming launch of the event, which has never before been held in Calgary.
The outdoor exhibit features more than 6,000 pumpkins that have been carved, lit and stacked to create dozens of different displays from dragons and dinosaurs to Halloween characters and pop culture icons.
“We've had staff carving all year long, five staff to carve these displays that you're going to see,” Pumpkins After Dark co-owner Mike Sheppard said.
“It's the Halloween version of Christmas lights, it's artistic. It's not scary -- it's entertaining -- and it's just a great time all around.”
The exhibit is held after dark to let the glowing jack-o-lanterns have maximum impact.
Organizers say it takes about 45 minutes or an hour to walk the trails and see the displays.
Pumpkins After Dark uses some 6,000 pumpkins to create dozens of displays. (Pumpkins After Dark)
The family-friendly event is being held at WinSport on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 23 to Oct. 31.
“This really is the first big outdoor event that we've had at WinSport since the start of COVID-19,” WinSport spokesperson Dave Oviatt said.
“We're going to have our own little Spooktacular Mini Golf to go along with Pumpkins After Dark, so it's a really good opportunity for families to come out and enjoy some outdoor weather."
Organizers say physical distancing measures will be in place with masking recommended. In addition, they ask you to stay with your family cohort while visiting.
Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for children ages four to 17 and free for kids three and under.
“Everything is time ticketed,” Pumpkins After Dark Co-owner Kevin Blackburn said. “You do have to pre-purchase your ticket before the event, that way we can allow a safe amount of people to come through and abide by all the COVID-19 protocols.”
In addition to thousands of jack-o-lanterns, the event also features food trucks, hot chocolate and coffee and pumpkin carving demonstrations.
“People can leave and buy a pumpkin on their way out, and hopefully learn something, and take a pumpkin home and carve it themselves,” Sheppard said.
- With files from Kevin Flemming
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.