It's a rite of childhood -- picking the perfect pumpkin for Halloween.

Pumpkins can be found throughout the state, at farms, charity lots and grocery stores. And you can't beat the choices at the S.C. State Farmers Market in West Columbia.

Thousands of pumpkins -- from traditional Jack-o-lantern style to specialty pumpkins and gourds -- are available from several market vendors. You'll find white pumpkins, One-Too-Many pumpkins, Cinderella pumpkins, -- along with squash, gourds, Indian corn and other Halloween staples for sale.

"This is a kid-friendly, harvest-type scene," said Amanda Pegues, who was working at Jacob's Produce at the market. "It's great for kids. There's nothing here that would scare them half to death."

On a recent Sunday, kids were posing for pictures on the hay bays and taking a good look at the piles of pumpkins, trying to find just the right one.

The majority of pumpkins are grown out of state. South Carolina's hot summers are not ideal for pumpkin growing, but some farms do grow small patches. Most pumpkins for sale in the state come from Ohio and other spots in the Midwest.

Along with pumpkins, you'll find all sorts of flowers, fruits and vegetables to take home at the market .

While you're there, check out Judy's at the Market restaurant, offering locally grown comfort food for breakfast and lunch every day, and serving dinner until 8 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays.