Pumpkins were rolling down a North Michigan Avenue populated by superheroes, princesses and ghouls on Saturday.
From the crisp autumn wind to the scarecrow and jack-o-lantern décor, everyone was feeling the fall spirit at the annual Big Rapids Fall Festival.
Donuts, cider and hot cocoa were aplenty for the many families that came out to celebrate. The day began with the Children & Pet Costume Parade, with whacky costumes everywhere.
Children had much to do after the parade, as well. Face paintings, inflatables and a big climbing wall delighted the little ones. They had a chance to win candy and prizes from the many games available.
Despite all this, it was the ubiquitous pumpkin that proved to be the most popular. There were pumpkin rolling races for the children, but the adults had a more intense competition of their own. The celebrity pumpkin roll was the crowd favorite, as two opponents would roll a pumpkin down the street with all their strength in a simple contest of distance.
“My favorite activity going on here would have to be the one I’m working—pumpkin rolling!” criminal justice sophomore Caitlyn Peca said. “It’s fun because the kids get to compete against each other, and they get some candy out it.”
The giant pumpkin carving was a different spin for the same prop, but with similarly popular results. Crowds stopped and watched in awe at the carving of a thousand-pound pumpkin.
To ensure the children had fun and stayed safe in the midst of all this, some Ferris students volunteered to work the festival.
“I really liked watching the parade and seeing all of the kids in their costumes,” criminal just freshman Melissa Henderson said. “I’ve been standing out here working the inflatables, making sure the children safe and having a good time.”
Ferris State’s cheerleaders contributed much to the festival with the number of volunteers they provided.
“The whole cheer team is here volunteering. There are girls working the games tables and inflatables,” Peca said.
Though only one of a number of events in the area giving campus and community an opportunity to celebrate the season together, the fall festival was certainly one of the most popular.