DOVER -- Miniature ninjas carved pumpkins with pirates and young princesses ate hot dogs with super heros during the a pumpkin-carving and costume contest at Fiddlehead Farms Marketplace on Sunday.
Costumed residents from the Seacoast attended the event. Those between the ages of 2 and 12 were qualified to win several prizes, including a family four pack to see the Wiggles at the Verizon Center, movie theater gift certificates and University of New Hampshire football tickets. The marketplace also offered adults samples from the store's six vendors along with a wine tasting.
 Chloe Knierm of Dover introduces herself to Oakie the Oakhurst Acorn during a costume contest at Fiddlehead Farms Marketplace in Dover on Sunday.
Photo by Matthew Tetrault |
"It's great fun for both the adults and the kids," said Skip Knierim of Dover. "This is our first pumpkin-carving contest, and we just might have to take a few pumpkins home with us."
The marketplace was renovated two years ago with the addition of branches from several local vendors, including Abigail's Bakery and The Meat House. Owner Tony Dorazio and Operations Manager Jennie Halstead came up with the contest as a way to spread the word about Fiddlehead Farms, while giving back to the community.
"A lot of people are still finding out we're here, but fall is when we're putting out some of our best stuff," Dorazio said.
He and Halstead are already considering more events as the year goes on.
In the end, the judges awarded prizes to nine contestants. Autumn Abbey of Farmington won the grand-prize Wiggles ticket package for her penguin costume. Claudia Schatton of Rochester also took home a prize package in the pumpkin-carving competition.
