What? Candy Corn? Halloween Displays Are Already Out

There are Peeps Marshmallow Pumpkins and bite-sized Butterfingers. There also are bags of candy corn and combo assortments.

Yes, today is August 23. And, yes, there are still a few weeks to go until school starts. But already there is a large display of Halloween candy just inside the door at in Upper Montclair, right where the sidewalk chalk and other summer products used to be.

"I think it's too early to already be thinking about Halloween stuff," said Montclair mother Hannah Redding. "I can't even get my head around the idea of school starting."

No doubt Halloween is a cherished holiday in Montclair—and it's one where candy is king.

Soon grocery stores and pharmacies across the country will be stocking their shelves with trick-or-treating booty.

Experts say about $1.9 billion worth of candy—or 598 million pounds—is usually sold during the Halloween season.

Studies show that the average American eats 24 pounds of candy a year, probably a lot of it around Halloween.

But is August too early for stores to start setting up Halloween displays?

Some consumers apparently think so. There's even a Facebook page titled "Anytime in September is too early for Halloween decorations."

But some argue—such as one writer on Examiner.com—that it's never too early to begin planning for Halloween. She claimed in an article published earlier this month that—from costumes to ghoulish desserts—there's a lot of fun to be had for those who think ahead.

So what do you think? How far in advance do you buy Halloween candy? Do you get irritated seeing holiday items months before the actual holiday? Take our poll and comment below.