Windham – The cold, dreary, rainy, windy day didn’t keep too many folks away from Windham’s Third Annual Octoberfest held on North Main Street and in front of the park.. According to Mayor Deborah Blewitt, attendance was down a little this year, probably due to the weather, but all in all it was deemed a success. Blewitt said the last two years the weather was perfect and attendance was better.
Folks still came out to take advantage of corn hole, craft beers, and a bounce house for the kids, along with a hay ride through the park. They also had games and pumpkin decorating/ painting, wine tasting, chili cook-off, food vendors, live music and so much more, it was quite the fall event.
The air was festive and one could hear the roar of laughter as the adults were engaging in a friendly, yet competitive corn hole tournament.
Children were laughing and playing in the bounce house and begging the adults to take them on the hay ride. It was a fun day.
The chili cook-off drew a crowd around 4pm, as Hanford Dixon, a former Cleveland Browns player was invited back to judge the chili cook-off contest. Prior to Dixon’s arrival, folks could pay $1 and judge the chili as well. The public’s opinion was for the People’s Choice Award. Folks watched patiently, while Dixon went down the table tasting all 10 entries in the cook-off. After he went back and tasted a few of them a second time, some even a third time, the winners were announced. The winner of the best overall chili was Barbara Belknap. Second place went to Kim Kiser and third went to Travis Hammonds. Kim Kiser also won the Spiciest Chili Award and the People’s Choice Award. The winners received a gift card to a local merchant and a plaque for their efforts.
It may have been a bit chilly and dreary outside, but folks made the best of the weather and had a great time at the third annual Octoberfest. The committee for the event deemed it a success and has more plans for next year.
