Delhi celebrates autumn

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Autumn is still officially a couple weeks away but that didn’t stop residents of Delhi from celebrating the changing seasons on the weekend.

Perfect late summer weather brought people out for the 6th annual Fall Fest opening ceremony late Friday afternoon, followed by country and rock performances on downtown Main Street.

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Among the highlights on Saturday were a parade featuring the Shriners mini cars, homespun floats, campaigning federal election candidates, and even a couple of llamas.

“I’ve lived here all my life and we’ve come rain or shine,” said Delhi resident Sharon Wojtkowiak. “It’s nice to support local. This is community living at its best.”

For many years, Wojtkowiak brought her son Adam to the Delhi Harvestfest, the forerunner to Fall Fest. Adam’s sons Blake, 6, and Logan, 4, were among the children lining the streets along the parade route Saturday to take in the sights and catch a constant shower of candy thrown by parade participants.

“The llamas,” said Blake, his mouth full of bubble gum, when asked what he liked best about the parade.

Members of the Norfolk 4H Club led the furry pair through the downtown, followed by a couple young handlers with goats in tow.

Paul Murray, a member of the Fall Fest organizing committee, expected as many as 2,000 people to attend over the weekend. He said the event had to be scaled back a bit this year due to road construction but there was still plenty of activity. Saturday’s lineup included a baby contest, bike decorating, vendors and a beer garden.

A First Baptist Church service was held Sunday morning followed by several hours of entertainment on the stage.

Murray said planning for Fall Fest is year-round work for the volunteers and the event wouldn’t be possible without sponsorship from local businesses and donations which go toward next year’s festival.

Ron Klein, a volunteer with Friends of the Library, was stationed in front of the downtown branch on Saturday selling bouquets of cut zinias – donated by Jane Kitchen — potted chrysanthemums and other fall flowers. The money will go toward the creation of a reading garden behind the library where there will be benches, a pergola, and tiered gardens.

Another fundraiser, a soup and sandwich lunch, will be held at the library on Oct. 4 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at the library for $12 and drop-ins are welcome at the event.