LIVERMORE FALLS — The town recreation fields were filled Saturday as families enjoyed the 20th Annual Apple Pumpkin Festival put on by the Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce.

Chamber past chairman Bob Berry said 102,000 people had seen the event’s Facebook post. 4,500 said they were interested in attending.

“I’m very happy with that. We’re expecting a bigger turnout this year,” he said.

Chamber administrative director and festival committee chairman Christine Fournier said there were 55 vendors who signed up.

“It’s a beautiful day. Music will start at 11 (a.m.) and there’s a new pie tasting contest this year. We have new inflatables by 207 Bounce. It’s all volunteers, from the Chamber and the Jay-Livermore Falls Lions Club,” she said.

“The Lions Club really came through to help us set up. We appreciate their support,” Berry said.

ReEnergy, Otis Federal Credit Union and Spruce Mountain Pharmacy were underwriters of the festival. Sponsors included Pine Tree Orthopedics, Pallet One, Franklin Savings Bank, Ranor Mechanical, The Bean Group, Don’s Stove Shop, Finley Funeral Home, Home Smart Real Estate Network, Inside Out Indoor Garden Supply, Lisa Keim for Senate, Main-Land Development Consultants, New Life Baptist Church and The Whittemore Realty Group.

Also supporting the festival as Friends were Hilltop Collision Center, Shaky Barn Farm, RS Osgoods, Town of Livermore Falls, JLF Lions Club, LF Police Dept., LF Highway Dept., Murray-Heutz Oil and Propane, Northstar Ambulance, Boothby Orchard and Castonguay Excavation.

The support of those businesses made it possible for free access to the festival and many of its events.

Many political candidates were available to greet attendees and share their platforms.

The festival was a family affair for many.

Cindy Rehagen-Langesisch and Nick Rehagen of Livermore Falls brought their grandson, Samuel Ankeles of Brunswick.

Cindy said earlier that day Samuel said his mother (Catherine Fredricks) got her picture in the paper three times as a teenager. He was excited to have his picture taken at a younger age.

Renda Guild of Livermore was there with her daughter and grandson.

“This is such a good thing for the community. It’s nice to see everyone come out,” she said. “Two of my best friends are here. The three of us attended school together. We’ve been friends since sixth grade, almost 49 years.”

At the Spruce Mountain Area Robotics Team booth, advisor Daniel Lemieux said member Jonathan Brenner was taking the lead on a new endeavor: selling fried dough and apple fritters.

“He hopes to open a restaurant some day,” Lemieux said.

Jonathan is taking the Culinary Arts program at the Foster Career and Technical Education Center at Mt. Blue High School in Farmington. He said he isn’t sure about having his own restaurant.

“If Jonathan doesn’t become a professional chef, he’ll make one heck of a husband!” SMART mentor Rob Taylor said.

Jason and Denise Cochran of Jay brought their daughter and grandchildren to the festival.

“Compared to last year, this is doubled in size. They went crazy when they got here. They’re loving it,” Denise said.

pharnden@sunmediagroup.net

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