Enjoying fall fun conscientiously

SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - New jobs numbers show that the country's unemployment rate is down to the lowest level since 2009 but does this mean people are feeling comfortable with the economic climate?

Well at McCray’s Farm in South Hadley, lines formed outside to join in on the autumn activities. The hayrides were running and the pumpkins were being picked.

However, despite an improvement in the latest US jobs numbers, Carolyn Lacaresse and her family of four continue to be conscientious of their money. “I think that would always be true so you just have to take in more the consideration of the economic status right now before you do things,” said Lacaresse of Feeding Hills.

Some families say they have to come to the pumpkin patch every year despite being on a budget, they just might go with the $3 pumpkins instead of the $8 ones because affording everything can be a juggling act.

Ron Lakota of Belchertown said,“Very difficult, it's expensive, prices keep going up and people keep losing jobs, the wages don't really go up with the price.”

But it's no surprise to the McCray's that the farm is busy. “They're trying to get away from their normal everyday life kind of situation and we tend to fall in line with that.  If the entertainment inudstry is doing well, we generally do well if the weather's well,” Dough McCray of McCray’s Farm told 22News.

The entertainment industry is actually on the rise. A study by Research and Markets shows the entertainment industry is expected to grow 5% each year meaning more people are finding the funds to have a little fun.

“Absolutely, 30-40 dollars you can go on a hayride, get some pumpkins and it keeps the kids happy,” said Lakota.