PUMPKIN FESTIVAL in CENTRAL PARK

Yesterday, October 27th, the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of New York in association with Camp Sunshine held the First Annual Pumpkin Festival in Central Park. Rain during the early part of the day did not dampen the spirit of New Yorkers who came to the park for the festival. Featured were a pumpkin patch, farmer's market, puppets, and entertainment like the Big Apple Circus and Chris Barron. All proceeds will go towards Camp Sunshine, a retreat for children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Jack-o'-lantern pumpkin displays were installed at Bethesda Fountain, Dead Road, the Bandshell Area, and Literary Walk. These lanterns were lit at around 5:30 PM. My favorite display was the Glow Heart pumpkins at Literary Walk.The centerpiece of the festival was an attempt to break Boston’s world record for the most simultaneously lit jack-o’-lanterns in one setting.

One of my photos appears in the NEW YORK TIMES' CITY ROOM blog at:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/10/29/not-a-sign-of-hypocrisy-anywhere/