Harvest Fest is Friday and Saturday, Oct. 30 and 31, at the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

This event has been expanded upon from the library’s annual children’s parade to include a new two-day family celebration with fun events for all ages. The whole community is invited to participate in an event that encourages family togetherness and support of the library.

Pumpkin painting

A Kids Story Hour and Pumpkin Painting will take place Friday, Oct. 30, 10-11 a.m.

Bring your own (small) pumpkin and let’s paint it together after a story! Each child will earn a certificate or ribbon based on their talent and unique creativity, announced on the lawn, Saturday, Oct. 31, 3:45 p.m. Painted pumpkins may be picked up at that time. Please register ahead for this free event.

Chili cook-off

The BHML’s Benefit Chili Cook-Off will happen Friday, Oct. 30, from 1 to 3:30 p.m. in the BHML upstairs Community Room. Like warm chili in the fall? Then this is for you! There are only 10 entry spaces available, so reserve your spot quickly with your $25 registration entry donation, which benefits the library. Bring your own large slow cooker of chili, serving spoon, toppings, advertising flier, extension cord, and power-strip, per entry, and be sure to pick up the contestant information packet.

The public is invited to sample all the chili entries and vote once for their favorite, between 1 and 3:30 p.m., for $3 per person, kids 5 and under are free. Drinks and crackers are provided. This event will be held in the library’s upstairs community room from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Winner must be present to win and will be announced on library lawn, Saturday, Oct. 31, 3:45 p.m., with the “BHML Harvest Chili King or Queen 2015” title, crown, trophy, prizes, and bragging rights. A minimum $25 registration donation is required to enter this fun competition. It benefits the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library.

Costume parade

The Lawn Concert and Children’s Harbor Costume Parade happens Saturday, Oct. 31 from 3 to 3:45 p.m. This is a E.P. Rock Lawn Concert! Who is this? Hint: His death in August 1976 rocked the world, yet he has been spotted near the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. From 3:45-3:55 p.m., the Kids Pumpkin Painting Awards and Chili King or Queen 2015 is crowned with trophy, prizes and bragging rights. From 4 to 5 p.m., don’t miss the Children’s Harvest Parade to downtown businesses with special parade guest, E.P. Rock legend!

For more information on Harvest Fest 2016 or to register for the Kids Pumpkin Painting or Chili Cook-Off, call the library at 207-633-3112 or email Caroline Roberts at croberts@bmpl.lib.me.us.