DEAR SUN SPOTS: We are encouraged to eat healthy and buy locally. I saw in the flyer in the paper today that Honeycrisp apples are $2.69 a pound, that is on average two apples. Are the farmers really concerned with us or our money? — Paul, no town.

ANSWER: Honeycrisp apples may be especially pricey for several reasons but it currently comes down to basic economics. The variety was created by the University of Minnesota and patented in the late 1980s. According to the patent, US PP7197 P, the Honeycrisp is “a superior fruit with a crisp and juicy texture.” But why the expense? People are devoted Honeycrisp fans, supply simply cannot keep up with demand according to reports. The USDA’s national summary from the past week shows Honeycrisp apples with the highest proportion of store ads compared to weighted average price, this means that these stores believe that people are willing to pay the price despite being close to double the price per pound compared to other varieties.

For that light, sweet flavor without the high cost, try Fuji or Gala apples, they average below $2 per pound. For more information and side-by-side comparisons of your favorite commodity foods, check out www.marketnews.usda.gov/mnp/fv-home for the USDA’s weekly report.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: The United New Auburn Association and the L/A Boys and Girls Club wish to thank you for helping to publicize our super successful 6th annual Hello-ween event. Despite the cold and rain, we welcomed more than 600 Tricksters to the New Auburn Village who visited 20 participating businesses and the Boys and Girls Club haunted house. Costumes were again amazing this year, we handed out more than 40 donated prizes. A big thanks goes in no small part to our great group of volunteers who helped make the streets safe for crossing, helped run our games, handed out prizes, kept a running count of costumed participants and kept smiling through 3 hours of cold, rainy weather.

Our next event you ask? UNAA’s 2nd parade of lights on Dec. 3.

Beginning at 4:30 p.m., Santa will lead a parade of brightly decorated vehicles and trailers from Riverside Dr. to Sullivan Square where the holiday tree will be lit, warm beverages will be served and there will be a chance to talk to Santa. We are always looking for donations of lights, decorations and snacks as well as volunteers to assist in the festivities. If you have a truck, trailer or motorized what-have-you, we would welcome you to participate. For more information you can contact Leroy Walker at 207-577-2694 or Kathy Shaw at 207-320-1969 or email kath@valleyviewfarmme.com. Thanks again Sun Spots! — Kathy Shaw, Valley View Farm & 4 Season Farm Market.

DEAR SUN SPOTS: I have not been back in Lewiston for while, can you tell me what happened to Bates bedspreads? — Roger, no town.

ANSWER: Maine Heritage Weavers began in 2002 to continue the tradition of “Bates-style” bedspreads after the company was sold. They are now located in Monmouth with their Bates Mill Store retail location at 904 Main St.

Use the QR code to go to Sun Spots online for additional information and links. This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com, tweeted @SJ_SunSpots or posted on the Sun Spots Facebook page at facebook.com/SunJournalSunSpots. This column can also be read online at sunjournal.com/sunspots. We’ve joined Pinterest at pinterest.com/sj_sunspots.