Pumpkin festival brings a crowd to Sterling on the Lake

GAINESVILLE - More than 1,700 people braved the chilly fall air to attend the Life is Good Pumpkin Festival at Sterling on the Lake in Flowery Branch Saturday.

"This was our best festival ever," said Jenifer Landers with Sterling on the Lake.

Benefiting Challenged Child and Friends, Inc. and Project Joy, the fourth annual event featured a pumpkin carving contest, games, a hayride, musical entertainment provided by Donna Hopkins Band and a silent auction. Jessica and Kolbi Stephenson, representing Challenged Child and Friends, led the costume parade.

Saturday's event was just one of many Life is Good festivals held across the country to raise money for local children's charities.