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Spooktacular is a hit in Pembroke
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Students Against Destructive Decisions members Jessica Hammond and Kylee Coates paint Presleigh Morrisons face at Saturdays Pembroke Spooktacular at Dubois Square. - photo by Photo provided.

A little of this plus a little of that meant a lot of smiles Saturday in Pembroke.

An estimated 400 showed up for the city’s fourth annual Pembroke Spooktacular, which got an early morning start when more than 70 runners participated in the 2015 Pembroke Spooktacular 5K/10K.

Zach Clifton, 16, was the overall winner of the 5K, fiinishing with a time of 18 minutes, 3 seconds. Wallace Isom, 44, won the 10K, finishing the 6.2-mile course through downtown Pembroke and Northside Cemetery in 42:44.

For those who prefer good barbecue to bunions, Johnnie’s Cafe owner Ron Lewis was named grand champion of the second Spooktacular BBQ Cookoff. Joann Burnsed and Adelyn Ammermon won the pumpkin-carving contest for turning a pumpkin into Cinderella’s carriage.

The day also included hayrides around Dubois Square — the epicenter of the festival — and a bounce house for kids, a pet “Spawtacular” costume contest, and booths filled with vendors selling food and arts and crafts. Nonprofit groups such as Bryan County Family Connection and Bryan County High School’s Junior ROTC and Students Against Destructive Decisions also had a presence at the festival, as did Pembroke Area Communications with its 2015 Pink Out Photo Booth.

The evening included Pembroke Fire and Rescue’s Haunted House — which continues this weekend — and an Art Center exhibit of Curt Hames’ photography. The exhibition is open through Friday.

If it seems like a full plate, it was.

Pembroke Mayor Mary Warnell said the city hopes to keep growing the event, which has thrived since its inception four years ago.

“It’s a positive event for the community — not only for family activities, but also the proceeds from the race itself will be going for the development of a fitness trail for the city of Pembroke,” she said.

Sharroll Fanslau, who heads up the city’s Downtown Development Authority, said the Spooktacular is Pembroke at its friendliest.

“The DDA is proud to host such a wonderful event,” Fanslau said. “It shows the essence of our community, offering a day of family fun and friendship.”

Sponsors ranging from Georgia Game Changers Running Company and North Bryan Chamber of Commerce to Bryan County Farm Bureau, Coastal Critter Care and Vet to Pets, played a part in making sure the Spooktacular was spectacular, Fanslau said,

“All the sponsors were wonderful, and we sincerely appreciate their support,” she said. “The festival offered something for everyone, pretty much.”

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