Holy Pumpkins, Batman!

Pumpkins, pumpkins, pumpkins. 

Before the first leaf hits the ground we know Fall is on the way.  Can you tell by the slight nip in the air on an evening in late August?  Do you prefer to measure the season by how many days you have left before a new school years begins?  Or does your Autumn just roll in to your mind in the shape of a big round pumpkin?

Yes!  Pumpkins are a popular symbol of the Fall.  In recent years pumpkin flavor has invaded everything from the frosting on your donuts to the flavors of coffee the adults in your life sip to warm up.

Pumpkins!  They're not just for pies anymore.


For those who want to carve pumpkins!

Of course, there are many other things people do with pumpkins in the fall.  They carve them!  Of course, this too has become a changing trend.  While traditionally*, Jack O' Lanterns were simply toothy grins carved into our round orange friend, some really talented folk have taken their pumpkin carving skills to an entire new level.

Rise of the Jack O' Lanterns is a great exhibit that hits the Old Westbury Gardens every fall.  This is not your usual romp through the Gardens, but a trail which displays over 5,000 hand carved pumpkins that range from detailed faces to all out sculptures.  This exhibit runs every year and will still be up through this coming weekend.  If you have not gotten tickets, now is the time!



For those who want to grow pumpkins!

For those who are interested in size more than art, Hicks Nurseries in Westbury has been holding a contest for the last 11 years to determine the largest pumpkin on Long Island.

This year, the winning fruit weighed 1,456 lbs.  That's a lot of pie!

While these are great pumpkin themed events that are fun to visit and read about, I thought they might inspire some young readers to carve or grow their own pumpkins.  Be sure to stop by the library were we have several books on this seasonal staple and jump on the pumpkin wagon!

 

*Actually, traditionally a Jack O' Lantern was actually carved from a beet, a turnip and even a potato since pumpkins did not grow in Ireland or Scotland where their lore was born.  However, in the United States, a Jack 'O Lanterns are most definitely always associated with pumpkins. 

-Posted By Miss Jessikah