In America, cartoonist Charles M. Schulz first made pumpkins notable by introducing children to “The Great Pumpkin“.  It was Linus Van Pelt, who in all of his wisdom, never failed to believe that this “holiday figure” would appear, as he just knew. And Linus would dutifully sit in the pumpkin patch, anxiously awaiting “the Great Pumpkin” each and every Halloween.

” It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown ” Image: C Flickr x-ray delta one

But wait, that pumpkin was one of ghosts, and ghouls and goblins! That pumpkin was one of trick or treat and displayed on the day that was once called All Hallows’ Eve.

Well, now the pumpkin has another reason to boast, for it has a new day all of its own. Pumpkins have arrived. Pumpkins are cool. Who knew? Let us celebrate the humble pumpkin. It’s National Pumpkin Day!

• Watch this cool video from NPR about the history of pumpkins

• This is also a fun video:  “National Pumpkin Day Cool Science Experiments”

• And since this is one of the early voting days in the 2016 U. S. Presidential Election watch how artist Jeanette Paras has created some unique pumpkins of the candidates . See video: ” Presidential Pumpkins “

• On this National Pumpkin Day across America zoo elephants will get to enjoy one of their favorite treats – pumpkins. Let us not forget our captive & performing elephants, on this day or any day. Let us think of ways to help these elephants to live better lives.

Oregon Zoo Elephants Enjoying Their Pumpkin Treats    Image: CC Flickr ormetronews

Images: CC Flickr It’s the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown  , Oregon Zoo Elephants enjoying pumpkin , Elephant Loves Pumpkin (featured)