GMA has a Rolling Good Time at Autumn Fest

Participants in the pumpkin roll on Bank Street.

GENESEO — This Saturday, the GMA (Geneseo Merchants Association) held their second annual Autumn Fest and debuted a new spectacular event, the pumpkin roll contest down Bank Street.

The festival, which ran from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., offered an opportunity for local businesses as well as outside vendors to set up booths along Center and Main Street. 20 artisan vendors and 11 food vendors attended, many whom offered samples and free tastings to festival goers.

Amongst the crafts and delicious fall food was also plenty of entertainment. Geneseo Bahngra and Knightline performed as well as several local musicians. Other fall attractions included a horse drawn carriage and, probably most popular among the guests, a pumpkin race down Bank Street.

In preparing for the festival, the Merchants worked in close collaboration with Lauren Hollasch, a SUNY Geneseo junior who became involved through her intern position as Geneseo Main Street Manager. According to Hollasch, the goal behind the festival was not only to showcase and support local business, but also to interweave community life with that of the campus. With the Cystic Fibrosis Walk and SUNY Geneseo’s Parents weekend happening simultaneously, Saturday seemed like an opportune time to host such an event.

Fortunately, the cold and windy weather was not a deterrent, as there was a high turnout of citizens, students, and visitors. “The winds can’t hold us down,” said Hollasch. “We’re very happy with how the event worked out.”