T-L Photo/CARRI GRAHAM Jill Ater and her dog Pluto look at pumpkins on Friday morning at the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival.

BARNESVILLE — As the 56th annual Barnesville Pumpkin Festival continued through the weekend, hundreds of vendors lined the streets filling the stomachs, and hearts, of those who attend.

Brian Sellers, of the Barnesville Pumpkin Festival Committee, moved to Florida last year, but that didn’t stop him from returning to the village to aid the committee in putting on the festival this year. Sellers has been involved in the committee for 30 years now and comes back to help because he said the village residents are like family to him.

“This group is like part of the family, it’s like a family reunion. … We enjoy it, it’s a lot of fun, it’s a lot of work; but to see everyone have fun is great, it’s what we’re here for,” he said.

The festival is a community event, Sellers said. Business owners, the village and residents come together to put on the annual fair, he said.

“We couldn’t do it without all the people who help. It takes a community to pull this off,” Sellers said.

Tim Rockwell, president of BPFC, also credited the dedicated volunteers, like Sellers, who put extensive times and energy into ensuring the festival succeeds each year.

“There’s so much stuff behind the scenes that goes and that people don’t realize. If it wasn’t for all the donations and sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to do this,” he said. “We try to put on a nice, family oriented festival each year; and I think that’s what people come back for. It’s kind of like a homecoming.”

Sellers spoke about the festival’s humble beginnings; the semi-centennial old festival began in the basement of the Assumption Catholic Church. The church continues to participate in the festival each year by serving home-cooked meals to residents.

“The best part of the festival is getting to see everyone have a good time,” Sellers said.

When asked what keeps people coming back year after year, many festival goers said it was the love of the food; whether it’s the pumpkin flavored treats, caramel covered apples, or blooming onions, residents said they’re never disappointed. Barnesville residents Trey Hannahs, Jessica Hoskinson and their dog Benny have been coming to the fair their entire lives, they said. Both humans said the food is their favorite part and what keeps attending every year.

“I wait all year for an apple dumpling,” Hoskinson said.

There are no rules or diets when it comes to eating at the festival, she said jokingly.

Malaga residents Shirley and Chuck Habig also said the food is what keeps them returning to the festival. The couple has been attending festivities for the past 20 years. Chuck said he likes anything and everything, while Shirley looks forward to the pumpkin flavored goods.

The festival is a family affair, where generations meet to pass down the tradition of attending. Rose Marie Zearott attended the festival with her daughter and granddaughter, Angie and Bailey Markovich, of Barnesville. Markovich said the family not only comes every year, but also attends every day of the festival. She said she enjoys the way the community comes together for the event.

“I love how the community gets together. I love seeing the businesses beforehand getting decorated and ready. It’s just so exciting, I love the small town feel. It’s just a special event,” she said.

Barnesville High School art students go throughout town each year and paint fall-inspired themes on the windows of business around town, Seller explained. Some store fronts are painted with sunflowers, others with scarecrows and many have pumpkins.

Beallsville resident Kristin Stephen attended the festival with her mother and children, 3-year-old Laynah and 8-month-old Waylon, on Friday. Stephen said she has been coming to the fair since she was just a child herself and continues the tradition by bringing her own children to the festival since they were born.

The pumpkin donuts and the parade ensure her return each year, she said.

The Pumpkin Festival ends at 5 p.m. Sunday with the auction of all unclaimed pumpkins, squash, gourds, vegetables, fruit, etc. and the raffle drawing for the 9th annual Pumpkin Crock.