From left, Smokey Bear and Forest Ranger Terri Teller say hello to 4-year-old Carson Lynch and his mom Alex Lynch of Wilton on Saturday, Sept 28, at the Apple Pumpkin Festival in Livermore Falls. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal

LIVERMORE FALLS – The 26th annual Apple Pumpkin Festival was a big success. The event took place at the Livermore Falls Recreation Field from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The weather was very warm as the sun shone down with a high of 73°, making it potentially one of the last summery days before that crisp fall weather truly rears its head.

The event was hosted by the Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce. A member of the Chamber said that vendors reported that they were very happy with the way the festival went and that the food trucks ran out of food.

From left. 4-year-old Sage Casey and 8-year-old Serenity Casey accept balloon animals from “Social Worker Magician” Carroll Chapman on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Apple Pumpkin Festival in Livermore Falls. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal

A Facebook post on the Chamber’s page read, “This beloved cultural celebration and harvest festival is a staple in Livermore Falls, Maine. Experience our community’s rich cultural, agricultural, and industrial heritage. Enjoy a day filled with: Local vendors and craft artisans, fresh agricultural products, historical items and exhibits, seasonal decorations, delicious food and treats.”

From left, 14-year-old Alexander Lewis and 14-year-old Rubyanne Alexis from Mt. Blue High School sell root beer floats to raise money for the Robotics Club on Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Apple Pumpkin Festival in Livermore Falls. Leo Goddard/Franklin Journal

Multiple organizations were there raising money for their own events and activities.

The VFW Auxiliary Post 3335 was raffling off a chance to win $500 in heating oil or fire wood. Each two dollar donation gave one chance to win or there was an option of six chances for $10. The fundraiser was in support of funding the House in the Woods, Veteran Military and Family Retreat in Lee.

Kristie Cooper, chair of the Fourth of July Parade Committee led a fundraiser for next year’s parade. The committee was raffling off lottery ticket pumpkins.

Blue Crew Robotics sold root beer floats to raise money for their upcoming competition. Information on the challenge and details about the competition will be released in January. By noon they had already raised over $200.