Melinda, i am very frustrated to read this story :/
at least I have less -- only one (5kg) pumpkin sitting on my window, that came from the Auchan mall. I am very big fan of them, but they dont grow at my location very well, so we dont have a pumpkin plantations like you have. You are still lucky that you watched it during the whole period while they were maturing -- I feel a little envy! :=)
btw, why you mentioned 'cans' -- dont the local stores have them at the counters un-canned?.. we have a lot... and basically they are still be selling in December, and probably in January, as well...
After Halloween pumpkins tend to disappear from the grocery stores here. I always stock up in October if I want some to use later. I was not prepared for the freezing weather we had.