A chilly morning turned into a perfect fall Saturday as Pembroke broke out its celebration of autumn with the second annual Spooktacular 5K/10K and fall festival at DuBois square.
“It was a rather cold and crisp start to a beautiful day in downtown Pembroke,” said Mayor Mary Warnell, who cheered on the 104 runners who participated in the race.
Among those who competed were Colonel Kevin Gregory, garrison commander of Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield, and a number of 3rd Infantry Division soldiers.
“We were honored to have each and every one of them support our event,” Warnell said.
And running wasn’t the only event to draw competitors. The North Bryan Chamber of Commerce held its fifth annual pumpkin carving contest — the grand prize was won by Luther Bacon, while India Hill won first in the youth contest — and there were raffles and other opportunities to win prizes.
Add in hay rides, arts and crafts, a movie, a DJ, seafood, the “Fall into Art” exhibit and the Pembroke Volunteer Fire Department’s Haunted Forest in the Old Tos Theatre and there was plenty for residents to do Saturday.
Frank and MaryBeth Bowers of Ellabell were among the 200 or so people who attended the event. They brought their 21-month-old son, Carter, to the event as well.
“It’s been fun. He’s been in the bouncy house all morning,” Frank Bowers said. “He’s definitely had a good time.”
MaryBeth Bowers said the family has attended Pembroke’s Easter and Christmas celebrations, but this was their first trip to the Spooktacular.
“It’s a lot of fun,” she said.

See more in the Oct. 30 edition of the News.