Kids in costume, kids carving pumpkins, parents perusing the various vendors that set up shop for the day.
By all accounts, the Sunday in the Park festivities on Oct. 13 were a spooky success.
It was a day to celebrate Halloween, as youngsters took part in a homemade costume contest and came to the city’s Main Street Park to carve or decorate pumpkins, which then were also judged for prizes.
“This was a very good turnout,” said Linda Gentry, helping coordinate the pumpkin and costume contests in connection with the Chamber of Commerce-sponsored event. “This is fun.”
There were plenty of pumpkins to go around, some pumpkin treats to sample and there were vendors with homemade soaps, sachets, jewelry, face painting, food, beverages and more.
“It is exciting to see the kids and all this activity,” Gentry said, smiling. “It’s a good turnout and a fun way to just come out to enjoy the community.”
Cardoza Brothers Pumpkins donated the pumpkins for the carving and decorating and awards were presented in different age groups. For 6 and under, Marley Huff was first, Ian Trejo second, Noah Nelson third and Liani Trejo received honorable mention. For 12 and under, Isai Trejo took first, Kaidence Trejo second, Evan Goff third, with honorable mention honors for Morgan Prichard and the team of Aden Cutts and Onyx Dorton.
Twelve and over had Lillian Dorton take first place honors.
In the costume category, winners were Joey Calcagno, Alyssa Calcagno, Jocelyn Avilla, Raegan Goff and Evan Goff.
“There were a lot of kids here and they were in costume, homemade, that’s what’s amazing,” said Chamber member Annie Gallagher, noting there was some real creativity displayed by the youngsters.
“It was a lot of fun and I think people were happy, they are enjoying it.”
The Chamber of Commerce will also host a Sunday in the Park celebration for November, but the date has not been finalized, still determining a theme and when best to host the day.
Gallagher said the goal remains to get people outside, downtown, to enjoy the day with friends and neighbors and provide a showcase for local businesses to show their wares in the outdoor setting once a month.
