The people of Pelham came out to support the Pelham Children’s Center for its annual Pumpkin Festival and Fun Run despite a wet, rainy Saturday morning.

The rain did force the runners to gather in the Daronco Town House to register and wait for the start. Because the race is before Halloween, runners are encouraged to wear costumes and can win the best costume award and a pumpkin pie.

The winner of the 5K was Ben Levine with a time of 19 minutes. In the Kids Half Mile, Drew Bier took first, finishing in three minutes.

Steve Madey, organizer of the race, said he feels residents should come to out to the event “to support the PCC because (it) can offer programs to the children of Pelham.”

Not only were there races, but also fun activities for kids, including face painting, coloring and cookie decorating. Plus, there was the annual sale of pumpkins from Richie Bell’s Alttobelli Farms.

Matt Bartoloni, a PCC board member whose children attend the children’s center, said his favorite part “is seeing all the kids coming out and crossing the finish line.”

“It’s great to come out and support the PCC and Pelham in general,” said Claire Van Praagh, a runner in the 5K.

The Pumpkin Festival also included its traditional book sale in the town house. Ten large truck loads of books had been dropped off the day before, and volunteers helped to sort and get the books ready.

Blair Nespole, a former board member of the PCC, said that she tries to go every year. “It took me five minutes to get five books.”

Current board member Marriette Morrissey said she loves the idea of the fest’s book sale.

“It brings the community together, everyone gets involved, and everybody loves it,” Morrissey said. “Most of the volunteers and people that pick out books and DVDs come back.”