SHREWSBURY, Mass. - Saturday marked the first day of fall. And no rain in the forecast could stop the town of Shrewsbury from celebrating.

The annual Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival kicks off the season with fun autumn activities. 

It all started in 1996 when the Shrewsbury High School wanted to plan a homecoming event for alumni. Twenty-seven years later, it has grown into a full weekend of festivities. 

Now a nonprofit, the Spirit of Shrewsbury, supports local charities and community members. 

This weekend, people from all over the town gathered to decorate pumpkins, enjoy a dog and talent show, a pie eating contest and more. 

Organizers say the event is a great opportunity for local businesses to show what they have to offer. 

"Spirit of Shrewsbury's mission is to make sure that we are integrating a diverse culture, making sure we have inspirational vendors here that are going to show all of our young children and teenagers what it's like to be an entrepreneur," Spirit of Shrewsbury Fall Festival president Mieka Davis said. "What it's like to get out and do some marketing and meet the people. And make sure that your product gets out there if you have something that's great you want to share with the community."

"This is great," Brian Xu said. "I see a lot of people are here and a lot of businesses are here getting people together. We like it."

The event continues Sunday with a parade that starts at noon.

More information can be found at spiritofshrewsbury.org