Residents came out to celebrate Halloween a little early Oct. 26 at the second annual Trunk or Treat and pumpkin festival at the Jamesburg Fire Department.
By Amy Batista, Special Writer
JAMESBURG — Residents came out to celebrate Halloween a little early Oct. 26 at the second annual Trunk or Treat and pumpkin festival at the Jamesburg Fire Department.
”It was a lot of fun,” said Mayor Marlene Lowande
The event took place from 1-3 p.m. at the Jamesburg Fire Department after being a success last year.
The community organized the event after Superstorm Sandy wrecked havoc on the town.
”We had fabulous pumpkins all decorated in all categories,” Mayor Lowande said.
Judging categories included funny, pretty, classic and scary and three prizes were awarded in each category. There was also a special category for adult submissions.
”Themes included Sparky the fire dog and a ladybug,” said PTA President Dina Walker of the Jamesburg Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary in an email on Tuesday. “Several pumpkins were painted, a few carved and I even saw creative use of duct tape on many.
According to Ms. Walker, over 40 pumpkins were decorated for the contest.
Pumpkin contest winners included John Szabo, Brandon Craporatta, Brooke Craporatta, Emily Soden, Autumn Soden, Nathan Williams, Isabelle Williams.
”Special thanks to Jamesburg Ladies Auxiliary for doing the pumpkin contest and the Jamesburg PBA for their donation of the pumpkins,” Mayor Lowande said.
According to Mayor Lowande, there were 22 scarecrows made and will be displayed on Railroad Ave.
”We provided space and stakes for scarecrow decorating for people that provided their own clothing,” Ms. Walker said.
The auxiliary had glitter tattoos, a coloring table and a penny pitch setup, according to Ms. Walker.
Following the pumpkin festival, the town hosted a trunk or treat along the street outside the firehouse where adults hung out and kids approached to collect candy, according to Ms. Walker.
Ms. Walker thanked everyone for coming out to the event.
”We had a great time at the trunk or treat and pumpkin/scarecrow festival,” Ms. Walker said.”Shout out to Sleepless Mind Entertainment for the great tunes all afternoon and to all the generous donations of time and supplies that made this possible,” Ms. Walker said.
”It was a great community event and I hope next year will be bigger and looking forward to being there again,” said Ryan Galway, owner of Sleepless Mind Entertainment in an email on Tuesday. According to Mr. Galway, his favorite part was the pumpkins.
”A lot of talented people created pumpkins,” Mr. Galway said.
According to Mr. Galway, he played a lot of current radio songs including some Halloween favorites like monster mash and thriller by Michael Jackson to keep the street
Mayor Lowande also thanked business that provided various donations to the event including Ryan Galway who provided his DJ services from his company Sleepless Mind Entertainment. Allegiance Landscaping and Garden Center donated of hay. Northeastern Lumber and their donation of wood for the scarecrows. Jamesburg Fire Department for allowing the event to be hosted at its firehouse.
”It was a great event and we look forward to doing it again next year,” Ms. Walker said.