COAL GROVE

- Six-year-old Savanna Triplett snarled like the lion her face was painted to resemble as ran around a slightly damp Paul Porter Park.

Not allowing the overcast skies and light rain to dampen the enthusiasm, Savanna and a few dozen others fought Mother Nature on a cool Fall Saturday to enjoy the Coal Grove Betterment Club's Octoberfest, formerly the October Community Festival.

&#8221I have been painting pumpkins, playing games, playing with silly string and making new friends and Š,“ Savanna said, going on to add quite a bit more before she ever ran out of breath.

Country music drifted through the park as those who were there made the best of it and tried to enjoy the gathering. Vendors huddled beneath their tents, hoping for a customer or two. Snap poppers cracked and snapped as youth seemed to be having all the fun they would if it was 90 degrees and sunny.

Event organizers said they would pray for that kind of weather.

&#8221We are hoping for sunshine (today),“ said Carol Gool, Betterment Club secretary. &#8221If the sun shines, the crowds will come. The entertainment has been great.“

Ten-year-old Eva Greene could not agree more - but she was talking about the giant inflatable slide.

&#8221It was real tall and you get to slide down it,“ she said with a wide-eyed expression showing she was remembering the fun. &#8221It was fast and slippery.“

Octoberfest begins at noon today and ends at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Gospel music will be featured throughout the day.