Four of us visited a nearby pumpkin farm this morning for a couple of hours. The pumpkin patch is free to wander. Lots of folks buy their Jack-o'-lantern at the farm, both as a fun activity in choosing the pumpkin and as a way to support the farm so it can continue each year.
There are several activities at the farm that are now behind a paywall. Most of these activities used to be free. But in efforts to make their farm sustainable from year to year, they've needed to charge a fee for these same activities.
My family chooses to skip the paid experiences. Our enjoyment of the farm doesn't hinge on doing the tractor ride, trying the apple cannon, or playing the games. We love wandering the pumpkin field as far as it goes and looking at all of the different shapes and sizes.
We also don't buy any pumpkins there, as they're priced significantly higher than those at the grocery store.
And we skip the concession stands. They sell donuts, coffee, kettle corn, cookies, and cotton candy. Instead, we bring a thermos of spiced tea and a homemade treat from home. They have picnic tables set up in several spots at the farm and are not opposed to visitors bringing in outside food.
My dilemma has always been that this is a small, locally-owned business, and I want to help them stay in business.
My answer has been to buy something from the gift shop, even though those items are overpriced for what they are, too. Since my son and daughter-in-law have birthdays next month, I've made a practice of buying a gift or two for them while visiting the farm. It's often a jam or jelly that I don't make or local honey or a handcrafted candle. This year I chose a jar of locally made, small-batch preserves for them.
I have a hard time spending money on activities that I am not very interested in trying. But I will spend the same amount of money or even more to buy a gift for someone else, especially if that item is consumable. Buying a pumpkin, spending money on an activity, or shopping in the gift shop are all viable ways to support the farm.
From a frugal standpoint, this was a double win. I supported the farm and came away with one of the gifts I had already budgeted to buy. My birthday kids will genuinely enjoy the gift, and once eaten, it won't add clutter to their home. I supported local agriculture and stayed true to a frugal mindset.
I completely understand someone else's choices. If someone were to choose the paid activities as a way to support the business, that could make sense, too. Buying a ticket for the apple cannon won't create clutter at home and may make the entire visit more enjoyable. Choosing your pumpkin in the field and carrying it home is definitely a richer experience than choosing a pumpkin at the grocery store.
I don't really think one way to support a small, local business is better than another. And I believe the farm understands this. I don't think they believe most families will come to the farm, pay for premium activities, buy snacks and drinks, choose their pumpkin(s), and buy items from the gift shop. I believe they are offering a selection of ways to support their farm, and leaving it to the customer to decide which way to proceed. I made the choice that most suits my family's style.
What would you choose in this situation if you wanted to financially support the business? Would you try a paid activity, buy snacks, buy your pumpkin, or buy something from the gift shop? I'm genuinely curious what other frugal people would choose.
