Downtown Morris Plains is committed to the continued economic, social and cultural enrichment of our downtown.

How do I participate?

Anyone is welcome to bring a carved pumpkin and attend the Illumination. Tell your friends to help us build a larger display!

Local businesses are invited to participate in a variety of ways including the business pumpkin contest and a complimentary vendor table at the event. Read more here. We ask businesses to please register by October 1st.

 

Do I have to carve a pumpkin?

No! Feel free to come to the event to enjoy the display and festivities, check out business pumpkins, and vote for your favorite!

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Is this event free?

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.

 

What else will there be to do at the Illumination?
In addition the pumpkin illumination display, we will have music, live pumpkin carving and several local businesses will have tables. Draft beer from Morris Plains' own Autodidact will be available for sale (cash only, proceeds support Downtown Morris Plains).

 

Is this event for kids or adults?
This is a family-friendly event with something for everyone. We look forward to seeing many of our neighbors!

 

When should I carve my pumpkin?
For best results, try to carve the pumpkins within a few days of the Illumination (Tuesday or Wednesday would be great days!). Check social media for some tips on making your pumpkin last!

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When do I need to deliver my carved pumpkin?
Please bring your pumpkin to the stage in front of the model railroad club between 5:45-6:15pm if possible. We can add pumpkins after that, but the display will be best if people bring pumpkins early.

 

Will there be candles in the pumpkins?
We will supply glowsticks to safely illuminate the pumpkins.

 

Is there an individual pumpkin contest?
No, individual pumpkins will all be added to the illumination display. However, be sure to pick up your pumpkin map to see what businesses have carved pumpkins on display - and vote for your favorite!

 

How do I vote for my favorite business pumpkin?
Click the link on our website to cast your vote. We’ll announce the winner on Halloween.

 

What happens to the pumpkins after the illumination?
Please retrieve your pumpkin at the end of the event (8pm) and enjoy it through Halloween. The glowstick inside is yours to keep. Any pumpkins not picked by 8:15 will be discarded.

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What businesses will be at the event?
Stay tuned!

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Will there be food and drinks available?
A few of our local businesses will have food available at the event. Downtown Morris Plains will be selling beer from Autodidact (21+, cash only, proceeds benefit Downtown Morris Plains). Also, many of our businesses will be open that night. Be sure to swing by for dinner, dessert, or a bite to eat. We will share a list of businesses running promotions for Halloween weekend.

 

Is there a rain date?
We do not have a rain date planned. The Illumination itself will take place even with light rain. If the event is cancelled, we will post more information on social media. 

 

What is Downtown Morris Plains?
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 and join our mailing list at www.downtownmorrisplains.org.

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