During the fall season, stores stock up with pumpkins, candy, costumes, and other holiday necessities for avid consumers to purchase. The Target located in Mitchell Ranch Plaza had their aisles stocked up with candy as early as Aug. 25.   

The carving of a pumpkin is a common tradition, and According to Better Homes and Gardens, 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins are sold every year, the majority of sales taking place in October for Halloween. Kayleigh Girard’s (‘24) family comes together every year to carve pumpkins and cook the pumpkin seeds. 

“Probably one of my favorite traditions of Halloween is carving pumpkins,” Girard said. “It brings my family close for the holiday.” 

According to History.com, the tradition of costumes originated from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain; they were created to ward off ghosts. They were created by hand, but now most can go to the local Party City. Adriana Echevarria (’23) creates her costume from thrift stores, from her closet and material from Michael’s craft store every year. 

 “Costumes are a really good way to express yourself and your personality, it lets your creativity out in the best ways,” Echevarria said. “This year I plan to dress up as a ninja.” 

Watching horror movies on a dark night is a tradition that is done by many teens. Alanna Wyatt (‘24) and her friends get together for the night to binge their favorite horror movies for the month of October. 

“Halloween is known to be spooky and scary so it’s the best time to get with friends and watch Horror movies,” Wyatt said. “This year, we are planning to host a bunch of movie night leading up to Halloween.” 

People looking to grab a pumpkin can go over to the Hope United Methodist Church pumpkin patch on Little road, they plan to sell from Oct. 11 to Oct. 30, Mon- Fri 2:00pm-8:00pm. Costumes are available at the pop-up store, Spirit Halloween, they are in Holiday, Port Richey, and Citrus Park mall.