Halloween is just days away and we can’t wait to celebrate. When it’s over, we’ll be sad to see it go – but saying goodbye can be a celebration, too! Several New Jersey towns offer Halloween send offs but we’re particularly fond of this family-friendly event in Mountainside.

Echo Lake Park offers most everything you’d want in a park. It’s got a dog park, playground, pedal boats, athletic fields and a moving memorial to 9/11.

Alejandro Chirinos Castro/Google

The lake is the heart of the park and it’s particularly picturesque in the fall.

Dmitry Elsakov/Google

For one night only (November 1st), the lake will come alive with the faces of grinning pumpkins.

Somewhereintheworldtoday/Flickr

Bring your carved Jack O’ Lanterns and give them a proper send-off.

Patrick Crowley/Flickr Watch as your glowing pumpkin is put on a float on the lake, sing songs around the campfire and enjoy hot cocoa and marshmallows. It’s fun for the whole family and one of Union County Parks most popular events.

Tickets are $12 per family of 6 for Union County residents and $16 for out-of-county families. Contact the Parks & Recreation Reservation Desk for more information at 908-527-4900 (Elizabeth) or 908-654-9805 (Westfield). If tickets are already sold out for this year, there’s always next – it’s a wonderful annual tradition. This year’s pumpkin sail will take place on Friday, November 1st from 5:15 pm – 9:30 pm. The rain date is Saturday, November 2nd.

Alejandro Chirinos Castro/Google

Dmitry Elsakov/Google

Somewhereintheworldtoday/Flickr

Patrick Crowley/Flickr

Watch as your glowing pumpkin is put on a float on the lake, sing songs around the campfire and enjoy hot cocoa and marshmallows. It’s fun for the whole family and one of Union County Parks most popular events.

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Address: 1028 Springfield Ave, Mountainside, NJ 07092, USA