October 2 “Let’s give ’em pumpkin to talk about”

October 2nd (the first Wednesday in October) is National Pumpkin Day.

I have several children’s books with pumpkins. “The Magic Pumpkin” by Lucille E. Sette published 1984. This is a great book about grouchy, nasty, mean, old Mr. Squiggs-and his pumpkin.

Then there is “The Little Old lady Who Was Not Afraid of Anything” by Linda Williams 1986. This was a gift from my sister ‘Aunt Sandy’, for Halloween books to display in the library.

Then I have “Uncle Josh Weathersby’s “Pumpkin Centre” Stories” by Mr. Cal Stewart published 1906. This is a good book of rural stories.

I am rather fond of Morton-another ‘Pumpkin Centre’. We are called the Pumpkin Capital of the World. More canned pumpkins come from our Libby’s cannery here in Morton, than anywhere in the country. In fact, 90% of world’s canned pumpkin, comes from Morton. Our Pumpkin-Fest is a wonderful celebration every September.

I drive with Pumpkin Pride. My Jeep has a wooden carved pumpkin hood ornament (chain-saw cut by my son) that has a dull orange color paint, that eerily glows at night.

And when the doors are off, I have these wonderful pumpkin footpegs, made especially for me.

You could say we have pumpkin fever here in Morton. And of course we have pumpkin recipes for: chili, pie, cookies, ice cream, and my favorite, Pumpkin Fudge.

What do you call a fat jack-o-lantern? A plump-kin.

What did the sick pumpkin say? “I don’t feel so gourd.”

What did the healthy pumpkin say? ‘I’m vine. Thanks for asking.”

Let the gourd times roll.