Real quick because I don't have much internet, I went to the City tonight. I have to say at first I was very underwhelmed. There are lots and lots of pumpkins and some flowers not yet blooming, but little else - no gourds, cornstalks, colored leaves, flags, garlands, etc. The walkway into the park and the square had a lot of pumpkins and some of the booths are set up with vendors. Nothing like last year! Hugo's Hill Street had nothing nor did Midtown.
Everything is focused on Valley Road and the Grand Expo area. We stuck around until dark for a glimpse ...and it came alive! Pumpkins were lit and grouped in themes - flowers, animals, birds. Even the carnival games and the rides had themed pumpkins. There was a camping scene set up of glowing pumpkins with a campfire, animals, and a lantern. Very cool! The large displays of pumpkins forming a cat, spider, owl, etc. were cute. The black light party must've started early because the music was playing, employees were everywhere dancing with the crowd, and the blow up dancing tube guys (what are they called?} was all in gear way before dark. When the lights came on, I'll admit it was very cool! Not many people there at all when I showed up about 4:30, but there was a decent crowd coming in as we left. I've never seen so many employees roaming the park. At first, it seemed as though there were as many employees as paying guests. I'm assuming they expected more people. Hubs and I really did enjoy it and will go back soon. I do wish more of the park was decorated (not just a few areas) and with more than orange and white pumpkins. Hubs commented as we walked out that none of the pumpkins had light from the square past Delilah's, and he thought they should so that people leave with the feeling of "Wow" as they exit the park. I agree with him! I'll try to post some photos tomorrow.