Jack O' Lantern Festival To Return To Enfield After 3-Year Hiatus

ENFIELD, CT — After a 3-year hiatus, the popular Jack O' Lantern Festival on the Enfield Town Green will be returning next month, with many family-fun activities scheduled.

The festival, first organized by a group of moms in 2001, ran annually until the 2019 edition was canceled due to concerns over the EEE mosquito virus. The past two years, the event was canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, with a virtual carving contest taking place in 2021.

Finally, "Jack Is Back" on Saturday, Oct. 22 from 4-8 p.m. Organizers hope to approach participation similar to years past, where upwards of 600 carved pumpkins were on display. Jack o' lanterns will be lit and displayed on bleachers, but not arranged by school as in the past. The committee hopes to find several sponsors for the bleachers.

In advance of the event, a free pumpkin giveaway, sponsored by Jarmoc Farms, is slated for Oct. 16 at the Farmers Market on the green. Jack, a metal jack o' lantern, will be traveling to different elementary schools over the next few weeks, and families are encouraged to take selfies with it. Those pictures may be submitted for a chance to win a free entry into the festival.

Plenty of games for kids, as well as inflatables, will be in front of town hall during the festival. The Alex Fisher treat tent will be set up, and several food trucks will be in the upper parking lot. Hay rides from Raffia Farms and Jarmoc Farms will be offered behind town hall, with involvement by the Enfield Lamplighters theater group. Music will be provided by DJ Scott Ryder.

Admission to the festival is $5 per child with a carved pumpkin, and $10 without. More information may be obtained from directors Nicole Grinaski, Kelsey McGuire-Bruce and Danielle Reel. Other longtime committee members include Jill Osborn, Sue Reese, Karen Timpone, Marcie Murray, Kelly Fisher, Patricia Wright and Colleen Semanie.