AURORA — The change of seasons received a hearty welcome Saturday during the first ever “Fall in Aurora” event.

The festival, hosted by the Aurora/Richland Township Chamber of Commerce, featured food, fun and fellowship for folks of all ages.

Gail Phelps, chamber of commerce president, said she was encouraged by the turnout of vendors and those attending the town’s festival.

“We’re excited to be able to do the fall festival for Aurora,” she said. “I hope we can do many more.”

Highlights of the event included a cornhole tournament, live music by the Little Creek Band and a lawn mower pull featuring the Hyde County Mini Pullers.

No one attending the festivities walked away hungry. Food vendors offered a variety of tasty treats, including hot dogs, hamburgers, fish sandwiches, fresh-squeezed lemonade, baked goods and ice cream.

Among the local congregations offering baked goods for sale was Dublin Grove Original Free Will Baptist Church of Aurora. Judy Oster was manning a booth well-stocked with homemade fudge, cookies, popcorn balls and cakes.

Dublin Grove’s sanctuary was destroyed two years ago during Hurricane Irene, so Saturday’s festival was a real cause for celebration.

“God rebuilt the church,” Oster said as she straightened packages of Mississippi Mud brownies. “We’re part of this community and we try to work together. It just makes it easier on everybody.”

Oster said the church’s bake sale proceeds will go to the ladies aid society, which helps needy families at Christmas time.

And speaking of Christmas, festival goers were able to do a bit of holiday shopping. Artists and craftspeople were selling everything from jewelry and knitted scarves to seasonal wreaths and hand-painted gourds.