2020 Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular To Be Drive-Through

Rachel Nunes
·3 min read

PROVIDENCE, RI — While many cherished Rhode Island events were canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the show will go on at Roger Williams Park Zoo this fall. The zoo will host it's annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular this year as a drive-through experience.

The annual event runs Oct. 1 through Nov. 1, open nightly from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. Thousands of intricately carved pumpkins will line the trail, which this year will run from the parking lot to the admissions plaza and into part of the zoo.

"Patrons will view pumpkins from trees, on the side of the trail, and just about everywhere the eye can see," the zoo said in a statement.

Tickets will only be available for purchase online, timed for each half hour. Each carload costs $50, or $45 for zoo members. No reciprocal memnership or AAA discounts will be offered this season.

"As Citizens Bank enters our tenth consecutive season sponsoring Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular, we are excited to work with the Zoo to adapt one of New England’s most highly anticipated events to allow everyone the opportunity to participate," said Barbara Cottam, the Rhode Island market executive for Citizens Bank. "We want to ensure that adults and children participate in this explosion of sights, sounds, colors, and music that makes October at the Zoo such a special time in Rhode Island."

Usually, the Spectacular is set up on the zoo's wetlands trail, and guests stroll along the path to admire the carvings at their own pace. To adapt to the new format, the zoo put the following guidelines in place.

No commercial or oversized vehicles, buses, open side vehicles, motorcycles or recreational vehicles such as bicycles, scooters or skateboards will be allowed entries, though minivans and pickup trucks are acceptable. Jeeps and convertibles must have roofs up.

The following guidelines are in place for guests driving through the display.

  • No honking

  • Maximum speed: 3 mph

  • Do not pass

  • Stay inside your vehicle for the entire tour

  • Do not throw anything out of the vehicle's window

  • No pets allowed in vehicles

  • Smoking and alcohol are prohibited

The display is open rain or shine. Updates about the weather policy are available on the zoo's website and Facebook pages.

Although the pandemic has strictly limited the soze of social gatherings, private events or group tour requests can be sent to gsales@rwpzoo.org.

"All of us at the Zoo want to share another season of Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular with guests," said Dr. Jeremy Goodman, the zoo's executive director. "We are grateful to Citizens Bank for their continued support. The added benefit of a drive-through event is no matter how chilly or even if it rains the show is open, and the pumpkins are spectacular ... Cardi’s continues to support our work year-round, and I want to thank Ron and Peter for all they do for our Zoo."

This article originally appeared on the Cranston Patch