Question 1

How do I participate?

Accepted Answer

The public is invited to bring a carved pumpkin and attend the Pumpkin Illumination. Bring your own and tell your friends to help us build our grand display. Everyone who brings a pumpkin will be entered in a raffle to win prizes!

Local businesses are invited to participate in a variety of ways including the business pumpkin contest and/or can choose to host a complimentary vendor table at the event.

Question 2

How do I vote for my favorite business pumpkin?

Accepted Answer

This year, all entries in the Morris Plains Business Pumpkin Carving Contest will be onsite at the event (Friday, October 30th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Morris Plains Merchant Block) and will be clearly labeled. You can vote online during the event. Voting will close at midnight on Friday, October 30th.

Question 3

Is this event free?

Accepted Answer

Yes! The event is hosted by Downtown Morris Plains and admission is free. You might wish to purchase treats at the event and/or while visiting our businesses downtown.

Question 4

Will there be food and drinks available?

Accepted Answer

Several local businesses will be offering food at the event. Downtown Morris Plains will be selling beer from Autodidact Beer (21+, cash only, proceeds benefit Downtown Morris Plains). Also, many of our local restaurants and businesses will be open that night so you can stop by for dinner, dessert, or a bite to eat.

Downtown Morris Plains will also share a list of businesses running promotions for Halloween weekend.

Question 5

What activities and vendors will be at the event?

Accepted Answer

In addition to the pumpkin illumination grand display and the Morris Plains Business Pumpkin Contest, the event will feature live music, live pumpkin carving by a master carver, tarot card readings, and more offerings from local vendors. There will be plenty of food options as well as draft beer from Morris Plains' own Autodidact for sale (cash only, proceeds support Downtown Morris Plains). While you're here, check out the Morris Plains Model Train Museum (free and open to the public).

Question 6

Is this event for kids or adults?

Accepted Answer

This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. We look forward to seeing visitors to town as well as residents of all ages.

Question 7

What vendors will be at the event?

Accepted Answer

Stay tuned! All Morris Plains businesses are invited to participate!

Question 8

Is there a rain date?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a rain date planned. The Pumpkin Illumination itself will take place even with light rain. Follow Downtown Morris Plains on social media for the most up-to-date information, including cancellations related to inclement weather.

Question 9

What is Downtown Morris Plains?

Accepted Answer

Downtown Morris Plains is a volunteer-driven, nonpartisan 501(c)3 non-profit organization. We were established in 2023 and are committed to the economic, social, and cultural enrichment of our downtown. Learn more​​​​​​

Pumpkin Illumination

Frequently asked questions