Countywide : Octoberfest Slated Saturday in Fillmore

Fillmore’s first Octoberfest on Saturday will feature pumpkin carving and a strolling accordion player, while Santa Paula citizens can celebrate the 30th anniversary of Santa Paula Memorial Hospital with food at ‘50s prices, a vintage car display and a dunking booth with local celebrities.

Fillmore’s Central Avenue will be closed to traffic between Main Street and Sespe Avenue from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. for the October festival, said organizers at the city’s Chamber of Commerce. Pumpkin carving for people ages 8 and older begins at 1 p.m. The free event will include live music, clowns and mimes. Area merchants will hold sidewalk sales, and food and craft booths will be set up along the avenue.

Santa Paula Memorial Hospital will celebrate 30 years of community service between noon and 5 p.m. Former patients and anyone born at the hospital will be eligible for a drawing for a 1961 car, and people born at Santa Paula Memorial in 1961 will be given a canvas tote bag.

Besides refreshments at old-fashioned prices, the celebration will include free health screenings, a medical advice booth and music from KXBS mobile radio’s “juke bus.”

Celebration coordinator Martha Knight said shuttle service will be available from the old Santa Paula railroad depot at Santa Barbara and 10th streets.