U.S. Census Bureau Daily Feature for October 31

WASHINGTON, Oct. 31, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Following is the daily "Profile America" feature from the U.S. Census Bureau:

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31: HALLOWEEN

Profile America — Wednesday, October 31st.  Beware — it's Halloween or more properly, All Hallow's Eve, the day before the Feast of All Saints.  According to Celtic tradition, it's a time when witches, ghosts, and other unsavory characters walk the Earth for a day.  For years, Halloween was eagerly awaited by youngsters, who would dress up in whatever was handy and make the rounds of the neighborhood, begging for candy with the empty threat "trick or treat!"  Now, more formal parties are being held, and grownups are just as apt to wear a costume as children.  The Jack-o'-lantern, made from a real pumpkin, is coming back in popularity.  U.S. farmers grow just over a billion pounds of pumpkins a year, worth $100 million.  Illinois is the leading producer, followed by California, New York, and Ohio.  You can find more facts about America from the U.S. Census Bureau, online at www.census.gov.

Sources:  Chase's Calendar of Events 2012, p. 556
               U.S. Census Bureau, Facts for Features, CB11-FF.20

Profile America is produced by the Center for New Media and Promotions of the U.S. Census Bureau. These daily features are available as produced segments, ready to air, on a monthly CD or on the Internet at http://www.census.gov (look for "Multimedia Gallery" by the "Newsroom" button). 

SOURCE U.S. Census Bureau

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http://www.census.gov