FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carlo van Ulft
Date: October 3, 2022
Phone: (217) 546-3853
SPRINGFIELD PARK DISTRICT & THE REES MEMORIAL
CARILLON SOCIETY ARE EXCITED TO BRING YOU THE 17TH
CARVE FOR THE CARILLON AND JACK-O-LANTERN
SPECTACULR (JOLS) AT WASHINGTON PARK
BENEFITTING THE REES MEMORIAL CARILLON
Washington Park Botanical Garden
1740 W. Fayette Avenue, Springfield IL 62704
39°47'22.4"N 89°41'04.1"W (GPS Park)
[Springfield, IL] – The Springfield Park District is pleased to partner annually with the Rees Carillon Society to carve over 2000 jack-o-lanterns, stage them all throughout the Washington Park Botanical Garden & Carillon grounds and light them for two consecutive nights for patrons to pay a small admission and come enjoy the sparkling splendor!
The annual Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular (JOLS) and Carve for the Carillon were founded by former Reese Carillon Society Board Member Brenda Poston. These events are inspired by the Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular in Providence, Rhode Island – featuring the talents of professional artists only. Springfield’s event differs in that everyone is invited –students, individuals, families and artists – from the community participate and carve their own pumpkin at Carve for the Carillon (the second week each October). The
following Friday and Saturday, more than 2,000 illuminated hand-carved jack-o-lanterns are displayed around the Carillon and the Washington Park Botanical Garden – showcasing carving talents of area residents, artists and students from surrounding area schools. Springfield’s events are participatory, and family focused.
JOLS features special Carillon music, lighting, sound effects, a unique Tree of Lights and food vendors and so much more! Fundraising proceeds include corporate sponsorship and admissions. Proceeds go to benefit the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon.
This is our 17th year for the event, and it is a Springfield FAVORITE!... a must do for your October fall family FUN CALENDAR. The partnership between the Springfield Park District and the Rees Carillon Society is a strong one and its events such as these that showcase the beauty of these two Park District facilities and help to raise money to continue to fund
operations, special events and ongoing maintenance to the Carillon Tower.
The Washington Park Botanical Garden staff work very hard for months leading up to the event to get all the facets and showcase exhibits JUST RIGHT! General Manager Alexa Bryan Potts has served on the planning committee for this event for the full 17 years with the Rees Carillon Society. This year co-chairing with Jennifer Johnson, Rees Carillon Society President and Connie Heskett, Carillon Belles President.
“Alexa is extremely talented and brings a wonderful artistic element to events such as these held on the Washington Park Botanical Garden grounds. Her and her staff make magical Halloween scenes for guest to enjoy and take photos nearby. It is truly a Spectacular site to see!” – states Amanda Tippin, Assistant Director of Recreation & Marketing
In addition to the visual aesthetics, you will want to take in the sounds of spooky music played by the D.J. on site as well as elaborate themed musical concerts from our own Park District Carillonist, Carlo van Ulft. The Carillon is considered the world’s largest instrument, and the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is one of the largest and finest in the world!
Carve for the Carillon is on October 8th and 9th from 11:00 am-4:00pm and admission is FREE. Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular is on October 14th and 15th from 6:30pm-9:30pm. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for ages 4-11, and FREE for children three and under!
Got Questions? Feel free to call the Washington Park Botanical Garden at 217-546-4116. Also, please note that there will be an adjusted travel route through and around Washington Park near the Carillon for parking purposes and the Citizen’s Police Academy will be managing all parking logistics both nights. The Botanical and Carillon parking lot will be reserved for handicap parking only. There is a shuttle bus provided free of charge
that runs both Friday and Saturday nights from Ashley Outlet Parking lot off Wabash Avenue in Springfield. Avoid any parking issues, plan to ride the Shuttle!
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For more information on this topic and other Park District news related items, please visit our website at www.springfieldparks.org
