Escondido, California - The San Diego Zoo Safari Park parking lot will glow this October, when it hosts the seasonal event, “RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns.” This the first year the Safari Park has hosted this experience, which features more than 5,000 jack o’lanterns that have been intricately hand-carved and crafted by artists into striking displays, along a winding trail that spans nearly one-third mile.
RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns is a family friendly event featuring themed carvings. At the Safari Park, guests will go on a “land and sea adventure” when they walk the trail past enormous carved giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, tigers and lions, before “jumping into the ocean” and seeing a spectacular octopus and his jellyfish friends.
There is also a section of The RISE that is “the dinosaurs’ stomping ground,” featuring carnivores like T-Rex. Sports fans will have their area, too, with carvings featuring their favorite athletes and scenes from the ball fields. For car enthusiasts, some classic American cars like the 1957 Chevy will be hand-sculpted in a “gourd-eous” new way. Along with the jack o’lanterns, The RISE also features music scored exclusively for the event, delivering a multi-sensory experience for participants.
In addition to the intricate displays, guests can stop and watch as top sculptors for The RISE transform 100-pound pumpkins into artistic creations during a live carve.
RISE of the Jack O’Lanterns will operate Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, Oct. 2 through Oct. 25, with tour hours ranging from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. The RISE is a rain or shine event. The surface of the trail is stroller and wheelchair friendly. This is a special ticketed event. Tickets to The RISE do not require or include admission to the Safari Park, and the Park is closed during The RISE operating hours.
Tickets for The RISE are priced from $24 to $28 and are only available by advance purchase at theRISE.org. Tickets are not sold at the door. Children ages 2 and younger are free. The RISE ticket holders who arrive after San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s normal business hours will not have to pay for parking.
