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Cmon folks, its pumpkin time! The family will have a blast at the local pumpkin patch because the hunt for that perfect pumpkin will keep everyone busy for hours. While there are scores of different varieties of pumpkin some make great Jack-o-Lanterns while others are perfect for pies -- but the typical American pumpkin is actually a Connecticut field variety.
Pumpkins are members of the Cucurbita family and related to zucchini and cucumbers. They are native to North America and were a key part of the Native American diet. Its widely thought that pumpkin carving began when Irish immigrants discovered the big orange squash which were so much easier to carve than the traditional turnips they used to carve back home.
You should have no trouble getting the kids to help decorate the house for Halloween. Make your own scarecrows at home or take a trip to Sam Bridges in Greenwich where they run scarecrow making classes every Saturday leading up to Halloween. Visit your local nursery for a couple of hay bales and some dried corn stalks. Have the kids collect brightly colored leaves and thread them on strings. You can use these to decorate the windows and doorways, or make a necklace for your homemade scarecrow.
Carving a pumpkin is always a messy job. Lay down lots of newspaper and make sure you get some kid-friendly carving implements. In addition to your big Jack-o-Lantern, a row of small carved pumpkins will look fantastic set along your front pathway.
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