Jayden Farmer decorates her pumpkin at the annual Harvest Festival.

SYRACUSE — Despite temperatures in the low 40s, Lakeside Park was still packed with families eager to enjoy the free, fun activities at this year’s annual Syracuse Fall Harvest Festival.

Familiar vendors from the Syracuse Artisans and Farmers Market lined the grassy area north of the pavilion selling handmade crafts, delicious treats and local greens.

The gazebo was set up for live music. Kruger Doodles had their usual face painting booth set up to create art on children’s faces. Indiana Pony Parties brought ponies to the festival to provide pony rides. A petting zoo with goats, a donkey, alpaca, bunnies, a pig and more was also set up to give families the opportunity to interact with animals most people do not get to see every day.

Pipsqueak and Clarabelle made their appearance crafting balloons into animals, pumpkins and even ghosts for the kids. Children were also able to paint their own small pumpkin to take home.

The Syracuse Parks and Recreation Department had various games lined up for children to win small prizes and candy, such as a golf game, ring toss and football toss. A very popular cake walk also allowed kids to win a large, frosted brownie, piece of cake or cookie.

Hay rides took families on a short trip around the local neighborhood. Timber Art was also present to demonstrate how to make art from a large log with a chainsaw, creating one in honor of the Wawasee Warriors.

Vendors, many from the Syracuse Artisan and Farmers Market, came out to sell their homemade goods and crafts at Lakeside Park.