Pumpkins could be scarce this Halloween

Middlefield, Conn. (WTNH) - One autumn tradition could be a little scarce this year, and maybe more costly too, thanks to the weather.

Irene affected low lying pumpkin producing farms in the northeast, which could lead to a shortage and in some places, doubling whole sale prices.

John Lyman of Lyman Orchards said, "We have a nice crop coming along."

Lyman Orchards basically escaped unscathed.

"We had a fairly well drained soil for the impact for us on the pumpkins was fairly minimal," Lyman said.

A wet spring did delay planting by two weeks, increasing the cost of production. But at least at Lyman's, it will not be passed onto customers, where the Halloween tradition is flourishing on the vines.

"Cause we're producing ourselves, we feel we are going to stay with prices where they are, but I suspect prices will go up around. I mean supply and demand, but our intention is to stay with our plan."

The calendar says September, but folks are already going home with a jack o'lantern or two.

Doug McNulty said, "We get one every year regardless if they go up or down. We're still going to have one. We're still going to celebrate Halloween."

The patch at Lyman's is only open on the weekends.