By Kimberly McMillian
Correspondent
DAYTON, Tenn. — Chomping on a caramel apple, Hunter Constance, who plans to be a werewolf for Halloween, said he liked the food and balloons offered Friday at Pumpkinfest.
His stepmother, Valerie Tipton, said the event was “a fun thing for the kids to do.”
Pumpkinfest organizers have estimated that nearly 10,000 people will attend the fifth annual event’s festivities, which continue today.
Newcomer Marlene Lacy, who came to Tennessee from Ohio after her husband, Jerry, landed a job at Watts Bar Nuclear Plant, said they’ve enjoyed Dayton so far because it “feels homey.”
On Friday, they brought their granddaughter Olivia Hannah, who dressed up early for Halloween as Tinker Bell, to Pumpkinfest.
Among the souvenir options at the event are the “Illumi-nation” booth with light-up helium balloons and jewelry, Noah Built DeArk earrings, and MainStreet Dayton’s glow-in-the-dark T-shirts.
Organizer Helen Spudich said Friday that “T-shirt sales are hot,” and that this year’s event offers more food vendors and booths for everyone.
Today, the Dayton Lions Club will host a pancake breakfast at Centennial Park from 7-10 a.m. Booths open at 10 a.m., and many downtown shops will host sidewalk sales.
A costume contest and merchant “treating” begin at 5 p.m., with hayrides from 5-10 p.m. “Scary-oke” begins at 7 p.m. and the last event, the pumpkin pie-eating contest in Centennial Park, is at 9 p.m.
Pauletta Caldwell, owner of ResQue Me’s second-hand shop, was hoping for good treats during Pumpkinfest.
“I hope to get my business back, because it’s supposed to be busy,” she said.
Kimberly McMillian is based in Rhea County. Contact her at kdj424@bellsouth.net.