If you didn’t know better, you’d think that Garden Glow, the immersive autumn stroll through Maymont’s historic gardens while they’re transformed by dramatic lighting effects, was on steroids.

Garden Glow was limited to the Japanese Garden during 2018, its first year, and welcomed about 6,800 guests. Growing steadily since, both in capacity and in interest, last year’s event attracted close to 48,000 people.

Do the math and you’ll realize that to pull that off, Maymont needs volunteers, a lot of volunteers. Between setup and event shifts, it takes close to 1,000 volunteers to make Garden Glow a success. “We’re fortunate to have a great crew of fresh faces and returning volunteers each year,” says Amber Walczuk, Maymont’s senior manager of special events. “The Glow Bar is a popular repeat post, and many volunteers will join for three or four shifts during the 4-week run.” [To learn more on how to volunteer, go here].

Even with an increase in staff over the past two years, Garden Glow is such a big community event that they need a small army of volunteers. There are volunteer positions to suit just about everyone, from helping with directions along the Glow Path, to assisting with check-in and beverage sales, the latter requiring volunteers who are 21 or older. They need help with setting up and putting away furniture and other equipment each evening. “Volunteers can work for a portion of the evening and enjoy the event for the rest of the evening,” Walczuk says. “We really appreciate groups of volunteers, too. It’s a great way to meet people or bond with your team.”

What to expect

Judging by the attendance numbers, it’s also a popular way to wile away an evening. The sixth annual Garden Glow spans nearly three weeks of evenings, Wednesday through Sunday, and begins beside the Stone Barn There, interactive effects and sweeping views entice guests to the Woodland Trail before heading down to the Japanese Garden. Lounge among the cypress trees in Glow Grove before heading through the Italian Gardens to the Glow Village on the Carriage House Lawn. Firepits, a rotating array of local food trucks, and the popular Glow Bar will provide further diversion and amusement once there. And yes, s’more kits are available for sale; there’s even a Glow Shop.

While the food trucks will rotate, one constant will be a seasonal favorite: Brunswick stew. The Butler’s Pantry, known for their delectable stew, will be onsite for the entire run of Garden Glow. The other mainstays are Glowin’ Hot Coco and Pop’s Kettlecorn. The food truck lineup is diverse, so whether you’re hungry for tacos, Greek, seafood, funnel cakes or a dozen other offerings, Maymont has you covered. The entire schedule is on their website.

Another new addition is Glow Row, designed for local companies and groups that want a home base at the event where they can entertain clients or celebrate with a large group of friends or families. There are two dedicated spaces this year, each with its own tent and glow furniture. Reservations can be made online.

New public art installation

As part of the group fun, Maymont also commissioned a new public art installation by Perez Acosta, known for including a community engagement component in his work, particularly for installations that will be seen by many people. This year, he’s planning an installation called “Positiva,” encouraging people to paint positive messages on light bulbs that will be suspended within the sheltered space of the arborvitae grove near the Carriage House. “The theme focuses on sending out positive messages from people here in the community to other people, close to home or around the world,” explains Walczuk.

Newbies, take note: Garden Glow takes place entirely outdoors, rain or shine, except in the case of severe weather. Wear weather-appropriate clothing and footwear suited for walking rustic – read uneven – paths. For those unable to walk the hilly terrain, a trolley service provides access to the Japanese Garden level. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended because capacity limits apply for each half-hour time slot entry, and Friday and Saturday nights fill up quickly. Looking to avoid crowds? Get tickets for Wednesdays and Thursdays, which tend to be quieter.

Or save yourself the expense of ordering tickets and volunteer to be part of Garden Glow. Says Walczuk, “Our events team looks forward to meeting new folks each fall.”

Garden Glow runs from Oct. 19 through Nov. 12 at Maymont. Tickets and parking info can be found at maymont.org. To volunteer, go here.