A condensed centuries old Irish legend tells the story of Stingy Jack, who twice tricked and captured the Devil. Upon Stingy Jack’s death, God would not allow such an unsavory character into heaven, and keeping his promise not to take his soul, the Devil would not allow Jack to enter Hell. The Devil sent Jack off into the dark of night with only a burning coal to light his way. Having nothing in

which to carry the coal, Jack carved out a turnip. The Irish referred to the ghostly figure as “Jack of the Lantern” or “Jack O’ Lantern.” 

The “Jack O’ Lantern” has long been associated with the Halloween season. The Irish originally used turnips and potatoes to serve as early canvases in which to carve ghoulish faces. Irish immigrants brought the tradition to America, home of the pumpkin. Today, trick-or-treaters are greeted on doorsteps by Jack O’ Lanterns ranging from the customary triangular eyes, nose and crooked teeth, to gourds with intricately carved or painted Halloween scenes.

 Now there are even molds that gardeners can place around immature pumpkins and as they grow they take on the shape of skulls, Frankenstein or even Buddha.

 Carnegie Arts Center (CAC), in Alliance, continued to spread the Jack O’ Lantern tradition, by hosting a kids pumpkin decorating workshop on Sunday, October. 24 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. All ages were welcome, and parents were invited to decorate pumpkins with their children. The fee for the workshop was not per person, but per pumpkin, and attendees could decorate up to four pumpkins. The cost of the workshop covered materials and instruction. Children of all ages participated.

Some used paint, googly eyes, and fuzzy balls to decorate their pieces, while others used the more traditional method of carving with the assistance of instructors. While there was a wide variety of Jack O’ Lanterns, no turnips or potatoes were spotted. “I just think that it’s good to light that creative spark in children at a young age in hope that it will stick with them later on,” said Sandi Blankenship. CAC hosts several similar workshops throughout the year for both youth and adults. For a complete schedule of events at CAC, visit www.carnegieartscenter.com. CAC is located at 204 W. 4 th Street in Alliance.