EVANS CITY — Fall infiltrated the borough on Saturday, as the 2nd annual Evans City PumpkinFest offered items, food, entertainment and activities for everyone.

Vendors lined the sidewalks along Main Street from Jackson to Washington streets, and shoppers walked in a barricaded area where cars normally park as the usual traffic whizzed past. Vendors spilled onto the sidewalks on South Jackson Street as well.

North Jackson Street, which was closed to traffic, contained the entertainment for the event, including a man on stilts, hula hoopers who encouraged those in attendance to try out a hoop, bands playing on the Main Stage by the fire hall, a pumpkin pie-eating contest, line dancers, a karate demonstration, family photos with a huge, inflatable pumpkin, a pumpkin carver and other things to see and do.

The distinctive yellow Evans City Volunteer Fire Department trucks were parked on North Jackson for all to see, and a basket raffle tempted passersby to try their luck.

Food and other vendors set up on Wahl Avenue, which also was closed to traffic.

“It’s beyond what was expected,” said Amy Jones, who served on the PumpkinFest committee. “It’s amazing.”

She was thrilled with the turnout at the festival, and that the heavy rain predicted earlier in the week held off.

“We are very grateful for the weather,” Jones said. “We are very lucky.”

She said the annual festival will be held each fall indefinitely.

“It brings people to the town,” Jones said. “It gives the town recognition, which it needs to keep building and growing.”

Dawna Hustak, of Evans City, brought her young granddaughter to the festival.

The pair rode in the horse and carriage and purchased a bright blue tiara, which the 7-year-old wore proudly as she looked for more items Grandma might spring for.

Hustak said the festival is important to the small borough.

“It brings the community together, and it’s overall a good time, especially for families,” she said.

On Main Street, shoppers perused honey, clothing, fall plants, yard art, fall and Halloween décor, jewelry, candles and other merchandise.

Beth and Blair Varner, of Jackson Township, pushed their children, Brooks, 2, and Eleanor, 10 weeks, in a two-level stroller.

Eleanor sported a thick, pumpkin-themed outfit and a matching headband.

“It’s fall and we thought it’s a nice day to come down and support the local vendors,” said Beth, who appreciates handmade items like soap and jewelry at festivals.

Blair said the festival was a great reason to get out and walk around in the crisp fall air.

“It’s the perfect temperature to check out the sights,” he said.

Kimberly Davidson carried bags containing Amish doughnuts and shirts she found at the festival.

She and her friends perused the many fall plants for sale in a booth along South Jackson Street.

“I like to participate in the community,” said the longtime Evans City resident.

Davidson and her friends planned to grab lunch at PumpkinFest as well.

“They do a great job,” she said of the festival’s organizers. “This is their 2nd annual (event) and it’s fabulous.”

Jonathan Moore, of Baden, Beaver County, arrived a day early, as he and his brother were hoping to attend the car show held on Sunday at PumpkinFest.

“My brother and I are really interested in old time and sport vehicles,” Jonathan said.

The siblings attend three or four car shows per summer.

“We like to look at the modifications and we like the heavy engine sounds,” Jonathan said.

Still, the boys and their mother planned to take a lap around Evans City to check out the vendors.

“Festivals bring people into the town and raise money for charities and revenue for the stores,” Jonathan said.

Jeff Shelly and Cathy Breen-Shelly, of Reserve Township, Allegheny County, drove their Harley Davidson motorcycles to PumpkinFest.

Cathy drives a Tri-Glide and her husband a Street Glide.

“We came last year and had a good time,” Cathy said. “We like to go to fall festivals, and it’s a nice ride on the Harley.”

“I just follow her around,” said Jeff of his purpose at the PumpkinFest.

Cathy said she keeps her eyes peeled for minerals to add to her collection, which she displays at her home.

Jan Revella, a Washington, Pa. native who lives at Buttercup Campground in the spring, summer and fall, said festivals are a great place to shop for unique Christmas gifts, and PumpkinFest didn’t disappoint.

“I like the crafts,” she said.

Revella agreed that festivals are good for small towns like Evans City.

“It brings business into the town,” she said.

The PumpkinFest was held on Sunday as well.