jack-o-lanterns

Halloween's Irish twist begins with 'Stingy Jack'

October 26, 2023 | By Linda Geist, University of Missouri Extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. — Americans are projected to spend more than $800 million on Halloween pumpkins this year, said University of Missouri Extension horticulturist David Trinklein. The U.S. pumpkin industry can thank Irish immigrants and a mythical character named “Stingy Jack” for Americans’ rush to buy carving pumpkins in October. According to Irish legend, Stingy Jack…