Diana Rojas, 9, of Norristown, was not deterred by the early clouds as she decorated a mini pumpkin with black paint.

"Black is my favorite color," said the 3rd grader at Marshall Street Elementary School.

Danila Cruz, 7, of Norristown, had plans to put her decorated pumpkin on a table in her bedroom.

The pumpkin-painting booth was sponsored by the Community Partnership in Action program at Bryn Mawr College.

"It's nice to get off campus and make kids happy," said Bryn Mawr College senior Liz Plunkett as she handed out clean-up napkins to the enthusiastic children.

The partnership program with Norristown was one of nearly 60 community booths, food vendors and sales booths at the festival. The daylong event also offered a motorcycle owners competition, barbecued chicken, funnel cake, western cowboy hats and a moon bounce.

"This was the brainchild of (Norristown Council) Ed Turner," said Norristown at-large councilwoman Cathy Lawrence. "He wanted to make this a community day."

Norristown Recreation Director Bill Plichta said borough officials wanted to create a fall celebration after the June 3 Norristown Family Celebration on Main Street was canceled by rain.

"It looks like the softball game and the motorcycle show are going on," Plichta said. "As long as the rain holds off, we're fine. The festival proceeds will benefit the ALS Association."

More than 100 motorcycles of every description were entered in the motorcycle show, said organizer Nunzio DeGrazio of Lower Providence. Seventy five motorcycles were entered in the show.

"Whenever there's a charity," said motorcycle organizer Tony Salomone of Norristown, "bikers say yes."

Best of show was won by Frank Yorgey of Trooper with a Harley Davidson custom Shovelhead motorcycle.

The other top finishers were Jimmy Williams of Lower Providence, Frank Yorgey, Don Roberts of Exeter, Chris Durant of West Norriton, Chris Conway of Conshohocken, Doug Williams and Frank Kazloski.

A 1910 antique Harley Davidson owned by John Pergolese of Worcester won the antique class.

Jeffrey Cain of Lower Providence brought his brand new 2007 Harley Davidson Roadking Custom motorcycle to the show.
"My wife, Rose, bought it for me as a surprise on Sept. 11," Cain said.

"I thought it was a beautiful color," said Rose Cain about her $20,000 present.

The Postal Service mechanic has been riding motorcycles since he was 13 years old, he said.

"It's a good feeling when you are cruising along," he said. "You're free."

Carl Rotenberg can be reached at crotenberg@timesherald.com or 610-272-2500, ext. 350.