The sound of crunchy fall leaves and the smells of the bonfire and grilling filled the air at Delaware city’s annual Halloween Party at Mingo Park Saturday evening.

The cool fall temperatures didn’t keep Delaware residents from attending to let their children pick out pumpkins, play on the inflatables or have a dinner of grilled hot dogs, cookies and toasted marshmallows.

Six-year-old Delaware resident Alana Kay was dressed as a witch, complete with black gown, pointy hat and green face paint. She sat munching on chips with her mother, Anna-Marie Kay on a small hill at the park Saturday evening. The Kays have lived in Delaware for the past nine years and have come out for the event several times.

Alana chose her costume because she likes witches, especially the Disney movie “Twitches,” she said. Alana and her mother had already chosen a pumpkin from the makeshift patch at the park. A medium-sized pumpkin, Alana said she would be using the pumpkin carving tools herself to make a cat carving.

Seven-year-old Katelyn Edwards also plans on carving a cat into her pumpkin. Katelyn was burning her marshmallow at the bonfire pit, which is precisely the way she likes it. Katelyn came with her friend, Julie Bauer, 13.

Julie explained that the girls come together or meet at the event each year to have marshmallows, pick pumpkins and have grilled food.

The event was sponsored by Buehler’s Food Market, Lehner’s Pumpkin Farm, Pepsi Cola Columbus, The Kroger Great Lakes Region Distribution Center and Gordon Food Service.

mmackey@delgazette.com