The observance of Halloween, which dates back to Celtic rituals thousands of years ago, has long been associated with images of witches, ghosts and vampires. Over the years, Halloween customs and rituals have changed dramatically. Today, Halloween is celebrated many different ways--with costumes, children trick-or-treating, carved pumpkins, haunted houses and parties (this and the data below courtesy of the U.S. Census Bureau).41 million: The estimated number of potential trick-or-treaters in 2010 (children ages 5 to 14) across the United States. Of course, many other children — younger than 5 and older than 14 — also go trick-or-treating.
1.1 billion: Number of pounds of pumpkin produced by major pumpkin-producing states in 2010. Illinois was tops, producing an estimated 427 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. California, New York and Ohio were also major pumpkin-producing states, each producing an estimated 100 million pounds or more.
116.7 million: Number of potential stops for trick-or-treaters in 2010 (the number of occupied housing units across the nation that year).
1,177: Number of U.S. manufacturing establishments that produced chocolate and cocoa products in 2009--employing 34,252 people. California led the nation in the number of these manufacturers, with 135, followed by Pennsylvania, with 111.
24.7: Number of pounds of candy consumed by Americans, per capita, in 2010.
Last but not least, some places around the country with year-round Halloween spirit: Transylvania County, N.C.; Tombstone, Ariz.; Pumpkin Center, N.C.; Pumpkin Bend, Ark.; Cape Fear in New Hanover County, N.C.; Cape Fear in Chatham County, N.C.; Skull Creek, Neb.; and Pumpkin and Pumpkin Center, Texas.
By: Jimmie Harris
