DEAR EDITOR:

I have been very troubled by what appears to be a recent influx of premature pumpkin carving in Columbiana and Mahoning counties. I define pumpkin carving as premature when the carved pumpkins are almost certainly carved on a date before Halloween, which would result in them being rotted and therefore decommissioned for the very holiday for which they were meant to serve.

My grievance has nothing to do with concern for Halloween-themed decor starting too early into the fall, absolutely not. Rather, carved pumpkins are perishable and should be afforded the appropriate recognition as a perishable item that is set outside.

Uncarved pumpkins can, of course, be placed outside at any time, as they will not rot within the time frame of Halloween; however, I would contend the best course of action is to acquire and display any amount of pumpkins at any time but not not carve them until it is ensured they last until the actual day of Halloween, as that is invariably their primary purpose.

Even with preservation techniques, carved pumpkins will last two weeks, and that

is a very generous maximum; realistically, they will last only 3-5 days.

I have been made aware of pumpkins being carved as early as Oct. 11, and that is just excessively erroneous, as they will indisputably be incapacitated by the time Halloween comes around

My argument is predicated on the fact that a second wave of pumpkins will not be purchased. If one is to carve pumpkins early but then buy another round of pumpkins, I have absolutely no problem.

I firmly believe those who trick or treat deserve to be greeted by the festive glow of carved and lit pumpkins, and a jack-o’-lanternless porch is a disservice to them and a very avoidable, senseless situation.

JEREMY SANFREY

New Waterford