Pumpkin Illumination, Fort Nonsense Ceremony: 3 Free Morristown Weekend Events

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Last year, Morristown's fall slate was filled with COVID cancelations. But there's plenty going on this weekend.

From the Vail Mansion to Fort Nonsense, here's a look at three free activities this weekend:

Pumpkin Illumination

5-8:30 p.m. Sunday, Vail Mansion lawn

The pumpkin illumination is back to spark up the spooky season. Guests are encouraged to bring their carved pumpkins to light at dusk.

The schedule:

• 5 p.m. Bring your carved pumpkin to the reflecting pond in front of the Vail Mansion in Morristown. Enjoy live jazz by Alex Lazzari Quartet.
• 5:30-6:15 p.m. Art Workshop with artist Dan Fenelon followed by a luminary parade led by Morristown Mayor Tim Dougherty.
• 6:15 p.m. Pumpkin Illumination! Lighting of the pumpkins.

The rain date is Monday. Read more: Pack Your Pumpkin For The Illumination At Vail Mansion

Fort Nonsense Rededication

3:30 p.m. Saturday, Fort Nonsense

Fort Nonsense closed for several months amid different renovations. Now, the historic site is back and ready to celebrate. The historic site's recently completed upgrades as part of the park's $1.4 million Roadways Project include a roadway and parking area pavement rehabilitation project, drainage improvements, replacement of the roadway's timber guardrail, replacement of metal gates, new pavement striping and new-and-improved traffic control signage.

Representatives of the Washington Association, the Morristown National Historical Park and public officials are expected to attend. The event will also commemorate the celebrations at the end of the Revolutionary War, when the beacon sites, including Fort Nonsense, were lit. The beacons were part of a communications network in Revolutionary times. Read more: Fort Nonsense In Morristown To Celebrate Upgrades

Light the Night

4 p.m. Saturday, APX Corporate Complex (340 Mt. Kemble Ave.)

The fundraising event supports the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Festivities begin at 4 p.m., with an opening ceremony at 7 p.m. and the walk starting thereafter.

The walk is about 1 mile on a paved path and is wheelchair-accessible. Participants are not required to walk and are welcome to stay at the festival site until the laser-light show, immediately following the walk. Find more info here.

The virtual event will take place Nov. 4.

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