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.

"It seems as though when Saturday night closes on our six weeks together, I start getting message after message of appreciation. Which is so nice and so not deserved," Chawgo explained. "I'm so lucky to be able to put it on, and then, you know, really all I do is plan it, and meticulously plan it, and then all the vendors are the ones that make it a huge success. I couldn't do it without all the vendors."

This year's event was sponsored by Chobani, which allowed all vendors to participate free of charge, according to Chawgo. What's more, she said Chobani has already signed on to be a sponsor for the Norwitch Fall Festival next year.

"Chobani always shows up for us, which is amazing because they support us so much. And having them sponsor this so the vendors could be there for free, I think regardless of the attendance when you can be there for free as a vendor, it just makes the day a success right from the beginning," said Chawgo. "So I think we're just gonna keep making it bigger and better, and hopefully next year we can expand even a little bit more."

Chawgo extended her thanks and gratitude to all vendors and visitors alike.

"Thank you from us," she said. "We appreciate everybody's support, and it's just getting bigger."

In addition, Chawgo wants to remind those who attended this season's Saturday in the Park or the Norwitch Fall Festival that vendors are available and selling their products year-round.

"These people are still in business, so this is year-round for them. And we can find them on social media or by reaching out to me," Chawgo explained. "They do this 365 days of the year, and that we can support them through shopping on their online, or through their Etsy stores."

Overall, the first ever Norwitch Fall Festival was a huge success, and something that residents can look forward to seeing again in the future.

"I've heard nothing but amazing feedback, everybody is so happy to be downtown, to be together, you know, to have the Y who gives out the amazing prizes, and just to have the parade again to bring it back to life. I've had nothing but positive feedback the whole weekend," Chawgo said. "It's a great feeling. We're very, very lucky to be able to just put it on, and have that park as part of our town so that we can do something like that. And then after that, everybody else just makes it successful."