The two were shopping for their family pumpkin and considered their outing "quality time" together. "Buying a pumpkin is absolutely a family bonding experience," the elder Kotin said.

Halloween itself won't be as much of a family experience since Jack will be going out with friends, Kotin said.

Shoppers' plans for their pumpkins varied, and as a result they had different ideals in mind.

"I'm using the pumpkin in a ritual involving the underworld this weekend, and I'm going to be carving the pumpkin with wood-carving tools, so it needs to be smooth and fairly small," said Katja T. Esser.

Five-year-old Nicholas R. Williams had slightly non-traditional ideas as well. "I like the shape. It's scary," he said as he pointed to a pumpkin with thick white scars crisscrossing its face.

"There are certainly enough warts," said his mother, Leah R. Williams.

The more traditional buyers planned to carve their pumpkins this weekend in preparation for the holiday. The standard routine involves a fearsome face and excavated and roasted seeds, with the possibility of pumpkin pie, Kotin said.