MARION — Costumed children and their families started their Halloween celebrations early at the Benjamin Cushing Community Center for the second annual Pumpkin Palooza on Saturday, Oct. 28.

The event was hosted by the Marion Council on Aging and the Marion Recreation Department.

Kids in attendance each got to carve their own pumpkin and enjoy activities like a limbo contest, face painting and a petting zoo that featured goats, rabbits, and a donkey.

All pumpkins carved during the event will be lit up and displayed in front of the community center alongside Route 6.

Bri and Jack LeFavor were among the many carving their own pumpkins at the event. Both opted for a traditional Jack-O-Lantern design.

“My favorite part about today is the candy,” said Jack. Bri said they plan to attend Marion’s Halloween parade on Tuesday, where Bri will dress as a shark and Jack will be Scooby-Doo.

There was an assortment of refreshments available to those in attendance including hot chocolate and donuts from Dunkin’ which were donated for the event. Oxford Creamery sold burgers, lobster rolls and ice cream out of the Oxcart.

Council on Aging Program Coordinator Linda Jackvony said this event brings the community together.

“Everyone comes out for this,” she said. Young, old, and everybody in between.”

Jackvony said the idea behind the event was to utilize the pavilion at the community center.

“We love to see the kids in their costumes, the fire department is here, we have a representative from the library here, everyone gets involved. This pavilion is for everyone.” said Jackvony.