While much of the East Coast was battening down in preparation for Hurricane Sandy, Blowing Rock residents enjoyed a beautiful Saturday, Oct. 27, with temperatures in the low 70s.

Apparently unspooked by what weather forecasters describe as a “Frankenstorm,” hundreds of families came to Blowing Rock for its annual Halloween celebration.
 
The event featured air walks, bouncy houses and inflatable slides in Blowing Rock Memorial Park, games and prizes in the recreation center, hayrides, a costume contest and trick-or-treating with the merchants of downtown Blowing Rock.

The event was sponsored by the town of Blowing Rock and organized by Blowing Rock Parks and Recreation personnel. This year, 22 student volunteers from Appalachian State University helped out with the games at the recreation center.