Tom Mickus, of East Lyme, chooses a pumpkin on Tuesday, Sept. 22 at the Holmberg Orchards in Gales Ferry. Russell Holmberg, who runs the orchards with his family, said they are twice busier than past years and it seems related to the pandemic. “People are looking for fun and safe outdoor activities,” he said. Yehyun Kim / ctmirror.org