<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2gW9vv_0vigos2600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2gW9vv_0vigos2600" width="1094" height="729" ><figcaption>Carved pumpkins floating on the Harlem Meer during Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla.&nbsp; Photo by Central Park</figcaption></figure>It’s that time of the year! While Halloween is still a month away, we can already feel the spookiness in the air. In addition to haunted houses, apple picking, Halloween parades and shows, and leaf peeking, every October, all New Yorkers are invited to watch Central Park’s annual Pumpkin Flotilla as hundreds of floating jack-o’-lanterns light up the Harlem Meer in Central Park, a spectacle you don’t want to miss this fall. It’s New York’s largest pumpkin flotilla, and it is free for all but do register to let them know you’re coming.This year’s event will take place on Wednesday, October 30, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Central Park’s Pumpkin Flotilla has been happening for nearly 30 years since 1998, and it was originally referred to as the “Pumpkin Sail,” but the name changed as no pumpkins were sold at the event to avoid confusion. Also, pumpkins used to sail independently at the Pool, but they float in two long lines of connected flotillas after the event was relocated to the Harlem Meer, which makes pumpkin retrieval simpler and looks more beautiful as well.<figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=3Rmyp3_0vigos2600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=3Rmyp3_0vigos2600" width="1105" height="737" ><figcaption>Carved pumpkins floating on the Harlem Meer after dark.</figcaption></figure>Those interested in having their pumpkin in the flotilla must bring an already carved pumpkin (with the top) that weighs about eight pounds and drop it off at the designated area by the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center. The jack-o’-lanterns that hit the water are chosen on a first-come, first-served basis until 5:30 PM or until all spots are filled. Small or extra-large pumpkins won’t be accepted. Also, don’t bring pumpkins with paint or dye, glitter, marker, paper, or plastic that could pollute the river, nor any light bulbs, candles, or floats.Pumpkin owners may retrieve their pumpkins after the event, usually around 7:00 PM, from the Harlem Meer beach near Fifth Avenue and East 108th Street. The pumpkin flotilla is not the only fun Halloween activity that day. After you drop off your carved pumpkin, head to the picnic area by the Charles A. Dana Discovery Center, located at 110th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fifth Avenue, for magic shows, not-so-spooky story time, and workshops to decorate your own trick-or-treat bag with Central Park–themed ornaments.Here is what your day will look like at Central Park’s annual Pumpkin Flotilla:<ul><li>4:00 PM to 5:30 PM: Drop off your carved pumpkin. Make your own trick-or-treat bag, crafts, and more.</li><li>4:30 PM to 5:00 PM: Not-so-spooky story time, hosted by the New York Public Library.</li><li>5:15 PM to 5:45 PM: Hair-raising juggling and magic show with Magic Ned, a comedian and juggler born and raised in the wilds of Brooklyn.</li><li>5:45 PM to 7:00 PM: Halloween dance party with live DJ Dao.</li><li>6:00 PM to 7:00 PM: Pumpkins will be sent to float on the lake.</li></ul><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=0hhcKc_0vigos2600" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=0hhcKc_0vigos2600" width="1800" height="1200" ><figcaption>The famous skeleton march at NYC Village Halloween Parade.</figcaption></figure>New York City has plenty of fun things to do for the spooky season, including the iconic Village Halloween Parade in Greenwich Village, where thousands of people don creative costumes to march through the streets, and the light trail inspired by Nightmare Before Christmas coming to the New York Botanical Garden. Feeling brave? Check out Blood Manor, a haunted house known for its spine-chilling scares. For a touch of history, ghost tours through haunted spots like Greenwich Village and the Merchant’s House Museum are a must.</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

NewsBreak

See Hundreds of Carved Pumpkins Light up Central Park’s Harlem Meer River This October

It’s that time of the year! While Halloween is still a month away, we can already feel the spookiness in the air. In addition to haunted houses, apple picking, Halloween parades and shows, and leaf peeking, every October, all New Yorkers are invited to watch Central Park’s annual Pumpkin Flotilla as hundreds of floating jack-o’-lanterns light up the Harlem Meer in Central Park, a spectacle you don’t want to miss this fall. It’s New York’s largest pumpkin flotilla, and it is free for all but do register to let them know you’re coming.