Some new features for the annual Halloween-themed gathering, Harvest on Main, proved to be a big draw for the event on Sunday afternoon, Oct. 5.

Along with the costume contest and plenty of pumpkins for kids to decorate, this year’s event also was opened up to include a number of merchandise vendors, along with a full food court. Kenny Moore provided live music on stage and the bright sunshine and light breeze made for a perfect backdrop for the gathering.

Escalon Chamber of Commerce hosted the event.

“Really happy,” Chamber board member and vendor liaison Megan McNinch said of the turnout, both in terms of the wide variety of vendors and the number of families coming in to enjoy the day. She also noted the support of sponsors as being key to pulling it all together.

Another new feature was having each of the vendors be a ‘trick or treat’ stop for the kids in attendance. Free trick or treat bags were handed out as kids arrived and they could visit all the vendors to collect some candy.

A costume contest drew dozens of entries in several different age categories, winners going home with medals, and all participants receiving a goodie bag. Among the most unique costumes, a girl carrying her own head on a platter with another participant dressed up as a washing machine with a laundry basket in place of their head.

Members of the Escalon Historical Society also had their booth set up with both information and merchandise, and were selling tickets for a painting to be drawn during the Christmas on Main event in early December. The drawing is for a scholarship fundraiser for Escalon High School seniors.

Sunday’s Harvest on Main ran from noon until 3 p.m., and organizers classified it as another successful event.