With Halloween just days away, families around Connecticut are heading to local pumpkin patches to find the perfect pumpkin, even as rising costs make the seasonal tradition more expensive.
At The Pickin’ Patch in Avon, customers filled wagons with pumpkins and lined up to make their purchases as the final days before Halloween approached.
“It’s a beautiful day and the weather’s perfect. We live real close so it’s so easy to come here,” said Joy Stroup of Simsbury.
Despite inflation putting pressure on household budgets, shoppers say visiting a local pumpkin patch remains a worthwhile Halloween tradition.
“This is holistic. This is local. Buy local,” said Wilder Ebert of West Hartford.
According to U.S. Department of Agriculture data, the average retail price of a pumpkin has risen to $5.36 this year, compared with about $4.83 in September 2020. That’s an increase of approximately 11%.
The owner of The Pickin’ Patch said rising fuel and fertilizer costs have made growing pumpkins more expensive, but he is trying to keep prices the same for customers.
Shoppers say they appreciate the effort and want to support local farms.
“We just want to support him as he tries to continue to be an important part of our community,” Stroup said.
Ebert said rising operating costs make supporting local farmers even more important.
“These local farmers need it. With the costs that have gone up, it’s even more reason to come back and support your local farmers,” Ebert said.
Beyond supporting local businesses, shoppers say pumpkins offer plenty of ways to celebrate the season, from carving jack-o’-lanterns to making pumpkin pie or bread.
“Because they’re fun. Because they remind you of your childhood. Because you can use your creativity in so many ways,” Ebert said.
For families making their final Halloween preparations, the experience of picking out a pumpkin remains part of the holiday tradition, even as prices rise.
