Pumpkin Wonderland returns to Jacksonville, opens Oct. 2

Published 5:45 am Sunday, October 1, 2023

JACKSONVILLE — The Pumpkin Wonderland has returned to Jacksonville, opening to the public Monday. The festive art installation is put on by the Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance.

Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance Executive Director Cassie Devillier said she was inspired to create the attraction after visiting the Dallas Arboretum.

“I was inspired by the Dallas Arboretum’s fall installation years ago. I had always hoped to create an autumn display for my hometown someday,” she said. “It has been a dream and a privilege to create an installation of this caliber for our community to enjoy through our nonprofit’s work.”

The Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance is dedicated to enriching the vibrancy of the community by promoting cultural activities, fostering art appreciation and inspiring creativity.

Devillier said the materials used for the Pumpkin Wonderland are all locally sourced.

“The Pumpkin Wonderland materials are sourced through local growers and vendors,” she said. “We live in a special part of East Texas where so many beautiful things are grown and the growers are the kindest people to work with.”

The installation will be located downtown, something Devillier said is the perfect location to promote a growing downtown Jacksonville.

“The downtown location is perfect for promoting our dining and shopping offerings in our bustling and growing downtown,” she said. We hope to attract many visitors to Jacksonville. We are so thrilled to show off everything we have going on in our community.”

The Pumpkin Wonderland is funded and made possible by local donors. Donations can be made by scanning the QR code or mailed to JCCA, 308 South Ragsdale Street, Jacksonville, TX 75766.

The installation is free to the public and will run though Oct. 31.

The Pumpkin Wonderland will be downtown Austin Bank green space located at 200 East Commerce Street.

For more information, visit the Jacksonville Community Arts Alliance Facebook page.