With fall beginning and temperatures dropping, Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School students begin to shift their daily activities and actions for the new season. Students, families and friends all have different ways of commemorating the fall season.

Fall has an array of activities and characteristics, such as pumpkin carving, falling leaves, colder weather and warm foods.

“I am excited for pumpkin patches and halloween parties this upcoming fall,” sophomore Catalina Pfiffer said.

Pumpkin patches are another great way for rejoicing with friends and families, allowing them to enjoy the weather and environment altogether. Local patches further feature a variety of activities, from corn mazes to fresh produce from the annual fall harvest.

Bedner’s Farm is one of the most popular pumpkin patches nearby and features attractions like a corn maze and fresh produce. Parkridge Church also has a small pumpkin patch, with the funds generated coming back to the organization.

In addition to pumpkin patches, food chains such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Starbucks have released seasonal foods and beverages, adding more fuel to the autumn anticipation. Since these food items are limited, people take pride in enjoying them while they are available.

“My fall tradition is eating pumpkin loaf, especially from Starbucks,” sophomore Esther Bang said. “Pumpkin loaf is the perfect combination of sweet and spice, it really sets the autumn mood.”

Foods featuring hints of cinnamon, pumpkin, clove and sugar are also immensely popular during fall. Specifically, Starbucks’s Pumpkin Spice Latte is an all-time favorite throughout the season.

Moreover, students enjoy Halloween as it is the highlight of fall. Pfiffer and Bang, amongst other students, are planning ahead for their commemorations on Halloween, like arranging costumes with friends or planning Halloween-themed hangouts.

“I already began planning costumes with my friends. We are planning on doing 70s disco costumes,” sophomore Madeline Zelinka said. “Some popular Halloween costumes are probably going to be Amanda Gorman, Harley Quinn, Kim Kardashian’s Met Gala look, Billie Eilish and more.”

These costumes draw inspiration from recent trends in social media. Costumes are the one chance to impress others with creativity.

Spirit Halloween and Party City are just some of the various stores that sell Halloween costumes. Spirit Halloween is only open seasonally for Halloween decorations and costumes. The various locations have several interactive Halloween decorations displayed throughout the stores.

“Honestly, every year I look forward to when Spirit Halloween opens,” sophomore Liza Zand said. “It never truly feels like fall or Halloween until the store has opened.”

Locally, fall has commenced, and the way students celebrate changes year to year, but some traditions are here to stay.