- This event has passed.
Carve For The Carillon
October 8, 2022 @ 11:00 am - October 9, 2022 @ 4:00 pm
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.
