Halloween

National reports of fungus and wet weather threatening U.S. pumpkin crops had pumpkin lovers spooked ahead of Halloween and Thanksgiving. But pumpkin farmers and experts said there is nothing to fear locally.

Weather is still the main topic of my article this week. We’ve seen more rain move in across our area, dumping several inches of rain throughout our geography again. It’s becoming a real worry for us and a lot of surrounding farmers in our area about the uncertainty around getting crops out.

It’s a continuing hot trend in easy holiday entertaining — charcuterie boards overflowing with wonderful nibbly-noshy goodies. A charcuterie board is essentially a lavish meat, cheese and cracker board.

From pumpkin and apple picking to chats with Santa, fall and winter is a great time to visit Fair Oaks Farms.

Kids everywhere love just about anything that’s gooey, slithery and slimy. That’s probably why this recipe for “gooey goop” is such a crowd pleaser when you get together with friends, especially at a Halloween party. It’s quick, easy and creates lots of laughter. What could be better?

Halloween is becoming one of the most popular holidays for collectors. Of course, children still dress in costumes and go door to door for treats, but the holiday items collectors are more interested in are the decorations that are created each year.

It’s that time of year when pumpkins are being harvested and readying to carve. And while carving a pumpkin can be a fun, festive, fall family event — as long as you know what you’re doing — it’s important to do so safely.