City's October Festival schedule of events set

The Fiddling Thomson will perform at 2:20 p.m. on Saturday at the Rochester October Festival downtown. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The stage and events schedules for the sixth annual October Festival are set.

The festival will be held Saturday, Oct., 11 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Hanson Street and in Central Square in downtown Rochester.

Underwritten by Service Credit Union, this year's family fun event features a "Mile high Apple Pie" contest to see who has bragging rights for the best apple pie in town. Entries may be left at the Main Street Booth no later than 10:30 am for judging at 10:45. Winner receives a medal and $25 cash prize.

Prior to the festival Monarch School of New England will hold a Charity Bike Ride. Participants may choose between a 4, 15 or 25 mile course along a spectacular route showcasing fall foliage. You may save money and pre-register online at www.monarchschoolcharitybikeride.com . Day of event registrations will start at 8:30 am at the Rochester Community Center on Wakefield Street.

Studio Two Beatles Tribute Band will take the main stage from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., celebrating the 50^th anniversary of the Beatles coming to America. Main Stage events include dance performances by Corinne's School of Dance at 1 p.m. and Studio 109 at 2 p.m., both at the mainstage area. Local Jazz vocalist Linda Pouliot will take the stage from 1:20-2:00 p.m. and Ryan and Brennish of the Fiddling Thomsons will round out the day from 2:20-4 p.m.

The October Festival Raffle will be drawn at 3 p.m. at the main stage. Tickets are just $2 each or a book of 6 for $10. The winner receives a $500 Kohl's Gift Card, second is a $250 prepaid Visa Card, third is $100 cash and a bonus prize is a $100 gift certificate to Jetpack Comics. Tickets are still available at the Rochester Chamber of Commerce, Studley's Flower Gardens, Corinne's School of Dance, Jetpack Comics or the Rochester Main Street Office. Tickets will also be sold the day of the event. You do not have to be present to win.

Children can enjoy the pumpkin patch and painting, Traveling barnyard sponsored by Holy Rosary Credit Union, bounce house, or the Pie Eating or donut on a string contest sponsored by Hervey's Tire. Downtown businesses participating include pumpkin decorating at Dos Amigos Burritos, a drawing at Laurel Mae's Cottage and dance demonstrations at Corinne's School of Dance. Both the Rochester historical Museum and Humane Lodge of Masons, #21, will be holding open houses throughout the day.

Volunteers are still needed, and it's not too late to enter a booth for crafts, art, food or your business. On line registration forms are available at www.rochestermainstreet.org/aboutus/forms&documents. Free parking is available nearby at the Union Street, Congress Street, City Hall and North Main Street Parking Lots and there is no admission fee. For more information on October Festival or to sign up to participate, please contact the Rochester Main Street Office at 603-330-3208 or email director@rochestermainstreet.org. The contact number the day of the event is 603-781-7116.