Carving pumpkins into jack-o-lanterns is an age-old tradition dating back to the Celts and their traditions of their holiday, Samhain, celebrating the end of summer, the year and honor loved ones that had passed away.  The pumpkin is native to North America so before the discoveries of Columbus, they carved gourds or turnips.  Coal would be placed in the middle for light. Jerry Ayers from Ohio holds the record for the fastest carver at 37 seconds.

October 2008 Newsletter