The New Columbus Fire Company in Nesquehoning held its first fall fest on Saturday and organizers deemed it a big success.

Fire Chief Tyler Schlier said the weather was perfect and attendance was better than anticipated.

“I couldn’t ask for a better day,” he said. “It was gorgeous.”

He added that the turnout of people was so good that some stands ran out of food by midday and had to restock.

One of the most popular items was a hayride. A tow cart with hay bales was pulled by the fire company’s utility truck on a route throughout the New Columbus section of the borough.

Donald Schlier, who drove the truck, said the hayride was filled most of the day.

The festival also had a chili cook-off, ice cream truck, kitchen where blinis and hot dogs were available, face painting, pumpkin decorating, face painting, basket raffle, soup sale and numerous vendors.

The Pawsitively Purrfect Animal Rescue, based in Nesquehoning, had a stand with two of the dogs as well as a kitten that are available for adoption. The dogs included an energetic 2-year-old black Lab mix and a shih tzu puppy.

The chili cook-off had seven entries. Individuals attending the festival could buy a ticket to test each of the chilis and vote on which they thought was the best.

The first place trophy was won by Gerald Snyder of Nesquehoning, while Kevin Breiner’s chili got a second place.

Smoky Bear also made an appearance at the festival.