Cranston Leads to the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular at Roger Williams Park Zoo

CRANSTON, RI -- Tonight is the opening of the Jack'O'Lantern Spectacular at the Roger Williams Park Zoo.

According to the zoo, some 5,000 pumpkins made the cut for the display. This year's theme is American Treasures.

The display will provide special fun for postage stamp collectors because images from commemorative stamps are the inspiration for many of the pumpkin carvings, according to the event organizers.

"Since the Postal Service began in the 1850s, commemorative stamps represent key events, places and cultural icons in thousands of extraordinary works of art. Visitors to the Spectacular will experience these images in special scenery where they are transformed into intricate carvings on illuminated pumpkins."

And the themed carvings are not all.

"Elsewhere on the trail," according to the website, visitors will find "scenes featuring Humanitarian Heroes, Endangered Species, Science Theater, and Backyard Garden. And of course, Halloween favorites will be back including the dazzling Laughing Tree."

The zoo is near the Cranston/Providence line and travelers coming from points South are advised to take Park Avenue (Exit 16) to avoid construction.