Throngs of young children enjoyed the Pumpkin Carnival in the West Hartford Town Hall parking lot and then spent the next few hours strolling through town collecting treats from merchants.

By Ronni Newton; Images by Amy Melvin, Joy Taylor, and Ronni Newton

Saturday morning’s bright sunshine and mild temperatures created the perfect atmosphere for an incredibly successful event in West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square, as approximately 1,000 children turned out to enjoy the annual family-friendly Pumpkin Carnival & Halloween Stroll.

As far as the eye could see, Disney princesses mingled with firemen, ladybugs strolled alongside pumpkins, pirates said “Argh!” and bumblebees buzzed. Many parents as well as some pets took advantage an opportunity to assume an alternate identity, too.

Merchants throughout West Hartford Center, Blue Back Square, and the “Upper Ave.” part of Farmington Avenue, many of whom were also costumed, participated by handing out treats to the strollers.

The Halloween weekend’s festivities actually began Friday night at Saint Brigid School with a family night that attracted about 250 people who enjoyed food from local vendors and a sneak peek at the scarecrows and pumpkins that are now on display throughout West Hartford Center and Blue Back Square.

Check out the gallery of our favorite photos below, and don’t forget to VOTE for your favorite Scarecrow and Pumpkin by clicking here!

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