NORTH AUGUSTA – Celebrating the spirit of Halloween, families ventured over pavement with many participants decked out in colorful and spooky costumes on Friday, Oct. 27 and Saturday, Oct. 28, for North Augusta’s 37th annual Jack-O-Lantern Jubilee.
In the light of the crisp, warm weather, many attendees enjoyed locally-made corn dogs, kettle corn, candle apples, baked goods and several other savory and sweet treats.
While some came to take part in the family-friendly activities, such as face painting, others attended for the live music, beer and to meet other horror and Halloween enthusiasts.
From hotdog and popcorn outfits to pirate and witch ensembles, the All Hallow’s Eve fun was evident by pinned-in hats, scary masks and expertly detailed makeup.
Even four-legged fur friends showcased holiday fun with different themed costumes and harnesses as passersby patted them and complemented their sweet dispositions.
Booths about insurance, clothing, glassware, jewelry and more were scattered throughout the event. During the jubilee, kids were impressed by the sites and sounds of rides and animal lovers pondered fostering or adopting a dog from a rescue tent as college students purchased decorative tumblers and shot glasses.
Many in attendance said it was a successful day event to promote local businesses while encouraging parents to invest in their community shops and organizations.
“I just want people to leave with a good impression of North Augusta,” said Randy DuTeau, Jack-O-Lantern co-organizer and North Augusta Tourism and Marketing Coordinator. “This is a sort of an iconic fair for the city, and I think it’s a good slice of Americana.”
DuTeau said the jubilee not only brings thousands of day visitors into North Augusta but also gives them a great snapshot for first-timers of the city’s downtown environment.
“Day visitors also buy a lot of stuff in stores and they leave a good economic impact and that impact generates sales tax revenue … so – from an economic standpoint – it’s excellent,” he said.
Attendee and lifelong North Augustan, Page Conner, said he has always loved the festival and enjoying the festivities with family and friends. He especially enjoys watching his grandkids have a “great time.”
As a grandpa, Conner said he has noticed how local events have given children the opportunity to practice interacting with others after many were isolated during important social development years.
“All the kids get to play together and they learn how to interact with each other while waiting in line [for rides],” he said. “When COVID hit, I think they really lost a sense for social skills and now these kinds of things will help with that.”
Dean Fasenmyer, fellow attendee and pet owner, said he and his wife make sure to attend the Jack-O-Lantern gathering every year because “it’s a must do.”
“We always come for the food. I like all the street foods,” he said.
However, he also believes such events are important because it allows adults to decompress and relieve work stress.
“It gets you out of the house, gives you something to do and gives people something to look forward to,” he said.
First-time vendor and local pen artisan, Chuck Buchanan, said he participated in the event after hearing many praises from other local business owners.
“I’m so glad I came. I had a great time and business was fantastic,” he said. “I enjoy the people.”
After retiring from the retail industry, Buchanan said community events, like the jubilee, gave him some sorely missed socializing, which he believes is also beneficial and necessary to promote small businesses.
“For me, it’s the fun of just talking with people,” he said. “It’s especially important now in this day and age for [entrepreneurs] where things have become so impersonal. We really do need to have things like this to reach out.”
But the businesses were not the only ones showing off their talents. Through stage dances and games of dunk tank, children also displayed their epic throwing skills and adorable dance moves.
Others preferred to simply enjoy some wonderful ice cream or Italian ice, after burning energy on inflatable bounce houses and slides.
Overall, the Halloween spirit was in full gear over the weekend and North Augusta was bustling with laughter, colorful artwork and lively music all day long.
