Attendees and vendors at the Norwitch Fall Festival on Saturday, October 30. The festival was held in conjunction with Saturday in the Park with Chobani, the YMCA Halloween Parade, and Trunk or Treat. (Photo by Sarah Genter)

NORWICH — A little rain didn't stop this parade; the first ever Norwitch Fall Festival had a massive turnout and overwhelming participation.

"The community completely showed up for everybody. From the vendors, to the parade, to the chicken barbecue that sold out in 25 minutes, from Trunk or Treating, which we probably had 1,000 kids walking through," said Norwich Business Improvement District (B.I.D.) Executive Committee member Mindy Chawgo. "Overall the rain didn't damper anybody's spirits of being down there at all for the day."

She added that the estimated attendance was in the thousands.

"I would say 1,500 people were at the little circle spot in front of the courthouse for the parade section," said Chawgo. "I would say about the same that walked through Saturday in the Park. I mean, there was not one person that didn't have a great, successful day down there Saturday."

The festival was held in conjunction with the last Saturday in the Park with Chobani event of the season, as well as the Norwich Family YMCA Halloween Parade and their costume and float contest, and Trunk or Treat.

Visitors were able to enjoy the musical stylings of Grady Thompson, all their favorite local vendors from Saturday in the Park, some new vendors, barbecue chicken provided by Columbus Public House, face painting, pumpkin carving, and so much more.