We had the opportunity to attend the Press and Media preview night for Pumpkin Nights at the Pomona Fairplex. A little back story on Pumpkin Nights, for those of you who are hearing about it for the first time. "Pumpkin Nights was founded in 2016 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds with a mission to showcase local artists, and celebrate the oct magical time of the year without the spooks and scares. Now, Pumpkin Nights runs through the month of October in four different cities across the US." - Pumpkins Nights You can find out more info by visiting FAQS.
As you was in you are greeted by a giant glowing jack o'lantern surrounded by smaller glowing pumpkins. Make sure you stop to take a picture. As you walk in your are surrounded by the fabulous food vendors. Many of whom are vendors at the L.A. County Fair. There is a jumper for the kids, a pumpkin patch and small pop up store with glowing merchandise you can wear or hold during your adventure. Ample seating to either rest or enjoy your treats. If you love face painting, you will be enchanted by their talented face painter. Our daughter had a pumpkin painted on her face, and it glows in the dark. Her friend Opted for the unicorn style. As you make your way down the long walkway of glowing pumpkins which forms a tunnel, you are transported into a festive world of Halloween whimsy.
The areas are divided by different lands. If you attended the L.A. County Fair and visited the Route 66 section, you will recognize the area, and see many of the props they used then transformed into a Pumpkin World. The designers and artists whom created this event truly went above and beyond. It's simply breath taking. As you walk through the grounds there is a scavenger hunt. You will look for different insignias hidden throughout the exhibit. Each insignia is symbolic of a letter. And at the end of the event, if you can solve the riddle or question you win a prize. We unfortunately lost track, because we were so caught up in the magic. You will want to take your time and savor the beauty.
Each night they have revolving exhibitors, entertainers and or vendors. On our night we got the opportunity to meet Archie. He is truly the most magnificent owl I have ever laid my eyes on. He is so beautiful and majestic, that you question if he is real. He's just that perfect. I was able to get very close to him, and take some pictures and enjoy his ambiance. If you see Archie when you visit, stop to admire him. He's simply amazing.
And what would a Pumpkin Night be, without pumpkin carvers. Pumpkin Nights has a talented team of artists and carving professionals who rotate nightly. It's simply breathtaking to view their work up close and in person. One of our favorite areas is the Pumpkin Pirate Ship. They had the soundtrack of The Goonies playing, you are transported into a underwater paradise. You can search the desert area and look in the sand for coins that you can turn in at the end of the exhibit for a pumpkin.
The last few stops have a really fun interactive play area, with giant Teeter Totters and Corn Hole, Ladder Game, and Tether Ball!! You can listen to cool Halloween dance tunes and enjoy yourself. Afterwards you find your self in aDay of the Dead village with a great photo opportunity. Listen to music from Coco and on certain nights you can watch Coco in the Drive End that's a fixture at the L.A. County Fair. If you visited the Route 66 area during the fair, you will see several props transformed for Halloween for Pumpkin Nights. It's both creative and ECO!! I loved seeing the transformations. After you finish your walk, you can turn in your coin if you found one for a Pumpkin. You will find your self back where you started.
Lastly the food!!! Lots of awesome goodies are in store for you! Many of which are vendors during the L.A. County Fair! You will find the iconic Hot Dog on a Stick, homemade and freshly baked cookies, kettle corn, ice cream, treats and funnel cake. On our Press Preview, we got to try several yummy things. I personally loved the pumpkin spice funnel cake and you can never go wrong with lemonade from Hot Dog on a Stick. The ice cream and cookies were exceptional! Go grab your self a treat after your walk.
All in all, we LOVED Pumpkin Nights!! And I think you will too! Take your family and enjoy your Pumpkin Nights Adventure!! If you go, share some pictures with us at Monterey Park Facebook Page or Glendale Facebook Page or our Glendora Facebook Page.
