2019 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular Ends Record-Breaking Season

CRANSTON, RI — This year's Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular was a record-breaker, the Roger Williams Park Zoo said Tuesday. The Rhode Island Halloween tradition officially wrpped up its 2019 season on Sunday.

"We are excited that we broke some records this year," said Jeremy Goodman, the zoo's executive director. "Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular brings in new and returning visitors each year who enjoy restaurants and hotels in the area, boosting the overall economy of Rhode Island.”"

On Oct. 19, a record-breaking 12,163 people came to the zoo, the most to ever attend the vent on a weekend.

"It got crowded, but things flowed beautifully, and everyone had a great time," Goodman continued. "Our normal weekday nights generally hit about 4,000 to 5,000 guests."

A few days later on Oct. 24, the weekday record was broken as well when 7,316 people came to see the pumpkins and celebrate superhero night.

Over the course of a little more than a month, 135,936 visitors in total came to marvel at this year's pumpkins, which centered around a celebration of the seasons theme. Attendees came from near and far, including all six New England states, Alaska, Hawaii and many other states. International visitors also attended, representing Australia, Italy, United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand and Spain. Several reported that they came to Rhode Island specifically to see the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular.

Can't wait for next year? Mark your calendars, it will run from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1.