Business & Tech
For Wick's Farm Stand, Halloween Wraps up Rough Year
Owner says one of the roughest seasons in his memory didn't ruin the pumpkin crop.
The down economy, unfavorable crop conditions and competition have all taken their toll on Wick's Farm Stand this season, but as he preps to close down the business for the season on Halloween, owner David Wick said it's not enough to scare him off.
“You got people coming in but they’re spending less,” he said. Wick, whose stand has been on Rt. 25A in St. James since 1947, said business has been about average compared to the last few years for his farm’s most important season, although “everyone’s seen better days.”
Wick’s staple crop of pumpkins weathered some harsh conditions this year, he said. The wet spring and summer sent too much water into their vines, causing them to become softer and more fragile. Tropical Storm Irene and several 80 degree weekends were no help. Wick said he lost a lot.
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“And anyone who says they didn’t is lying,” he said. “This is probably one of the roughest seasons anyone can remember.”
Other vine crops, such as cucumbers and tomatoes, were also affected, said Wick.
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The stand has been going all-out for Halloween since 1962, Wick said. It is a St. James fixture that is hard to miss, with its gigantic seasonal characters and displays looming over it. Wick built them in the 1960s and 1970s, and with an extensive “Spooky Hollow Walk,” hayrides and the variety of Halloween merchandise and decorations he provides, the setup process has to begin in June. Wick runs the stand himself, with help from his son, Paul, on some weekends.
Wick said he sees customers who came to the stand when they were kids, showing up now with their children and grandchildren.
“Now I’m waiting for the great-grandchildren,” he said.
This year people have come in less at night, presumably because they’ve been waiting for the nights just before Halloween. He isn’t worried about the weather.
“The rain and the cold just puts the spirit right in ‘em,” he said with a grin.
Wick’s hayrides are offered between 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. this weekend. He also offers animal feeding and the walk, which involves a surprisingly long walk through makeshift hallways past dozens of displays.
