HALLOWEEN
Total production of pumpkins by major pumpkin-producing states in 2009 was 931 million pounds. (USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service)
In the U.S., the first recorded instance of a Halloween celebration occurred in Anoka, Minnesota in 1921
Total production of major pumpkin-producing states in 2007 was 1.1 billion pounds. Illinois led the country by producing 542 million pounds of the vined orange gourd. Pumpkin patches in Ohio, California and New York also provided lots of pumpkins: Each state produced at least 100 million pounds. The value of all pumpkins produced by major pumpkin-producing states was $117 million.
Per capita consumption of candy by Americans in 2002 was 24 pounds; it is believed a large portion is consumed by kids on and during the days immediately following Halloween.
Candy consumption has actually declined over the last few years: in 1997, each American gobbled or savored more than 27 pounds a year.
US Census Bureau
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