As Halloween approaches, a Davenport home has transformed into a breathtaking display featuring over 1,000 handcrafted foam pumpkins, inviting visitors to experience a unique blend of holiday spirit and a heartfelt cause. Christopher Bailey, the mastermind behind this pumpkin wonderland located at 418 Grovepark Drive, has turned his passion for Halloween into a spectacular annual event that not only showcases creativity but also serves a noble purpose in the fight against cancer.
The enchanting display, now in its tenth season, features an interactive path where guests can stroll among pumpkins adorned with iconic Halloween motifs, all set to a backdrop of themed music. The message “Welcome foolish mortals” greets visitors, setting the tone for an immersive Halloween experience.
Bailey’s journey into the world of pumpkin artistry began during a trip to Sleepy Hollow, New York, in 2014. Inspired by the Great Jack O’Lantern Blaze, an event showcasing thousands of hand-carved pumpkins, he envisioned creating a similar experience in his own backyard. However, living in Florida posed unique challenges, particularly due to the hot climate that quickly deteriorates carved pumpkins.
“Here in Florida, you carve a pumpkin, the next day it’s shriveled,” Bailey explained. To overcome this, he opted for foam pumpkins, which, while initially more expensive, allowed for intricate designs and the ability to reuse them year after year.
Starting with just 50 pumpkins purchased on sale after Halloween in 2014, Bailey’s collection has since exploded to over 1,000. “At the time I thought, ‘that’s a lot of pumpkins,’” he recalled, reflecting on how far his Halloween display has come.
The event took on a more profound significance in 2018, following his late wife Adriana’s diagnosis of a rare and aggressive stage four lung cancer. In her honor, the pumpkin display began to accept donations to support cancer research and treatment, with this year’s proceeds going to AdventHealth.
“Back then, if you donated $10, my wife would write your name on a pumpkin and I would carve it with a cancer awareness ribbon,” Bailey shared. This initiative allowed visitors to honor loved ones affected by cancer, with many pumpkins now bearing names of survivors and those who have passed.
Each year, the display grows, adding more pumpkins that illuminate the night with names inscribed in black Sharpie on one side and glow-in-the-dark paint on the other. This personal touch has created a space for reflection and remembrance, where families can come together to celebrate life and honor the memories of those they have lost.
Bailey is particularly grateful for the innovative clinical trial that Adriana participated in at AdventHealth, which he credits with extending her life by two additional years. “She stopped coughing after her first treatment,” he recalled, noting that the treatment reduced her cancer by 72% within six months.
The Davenport Pumpkin House has become a beacon of hope and community spirit, drawing visitors not only for the festive display but also for the opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause. Each pumpkin represents not just a seasonal decoration but a testament to resilience, love, and the ongoing battle against cancer.
As the Halloween season approaches, the Davenport Pumpkin House continues to invite families and friends to experience this unique display, encouraging them to take part in the fight against cancer while celebrating the spirit of Halloween.
