1. Halloween is the second highest grossing commercial holiday after Christmas

2. The largest pumpkin ever measured was grown by Norm Craven, who broke the world record in 1993 with a 836 lb. pumpkin

3. The first known mention of trick-or-treating in print in North America occurred in 1927 in Blackie, Alberta, Canada

4. According to the National Retail Federation, 40.1% of those surveyed plan to wear a Halloween costume in 2010. In 2009, it was 33.4%.

5. Thirty-three percent will throw or attend a party

6. In 2010, 72.2% of those surveyed by the National Retail Federation will hand out candy,

7. 46.3% of Americans surveyed will carve a pumpkin,

8. 20.8% of Americans surveyed will visit a haunted house

9. Americans consumed, on average, 24.3 pounds of candy per person in 2009. Candy consumption was down to 23.8 pounds per capita in 2008, but apparently the prolonged recession didnít weaken the American sweet tooth for long, and consumption bounced back up in 2009.

10. The national estimate is 36 million potential trick-or-treaters in the United States

11. one BILLION pounds of pumpkins produced in the United States, according to the USDA. California accounted for more than 100 million pounds of pumpkins grown

12. The Halloween business is absolutely monstrous. Americans will spend $6.9 billion in 2011 on everything from candy and costumes to decorations.

13. The average consumer intends to spend $72.31 on Halloween products this year.

14. 7 in 10 Americans plan to celebrate Halloween

15. Census data shows that 92 percent of American households consider their neighborhoods safe.

16. the typical household is expected to spend $21.05 on Halloween candy this year.

17. October 28; that day just so happens to be the biggest day of the year for candy sales.

18. the four most popular candy varieties are: Snickers, Reeseís Peanut Butter Cups, Kit Kat, and M&Ms.

19. Americans also plan on spending $310 million to dress up their pets this year.

20. in 2011 adults are collectively expected to spend $210 million more on Halloween costumes for themselves than their own little kids.