Dean Bostwick of Magic of Horses equine services gives his team a drink on Saturday before departing on more carriage rides around Zelienople during the Country Fall Festival.

Pumpkin spice and everything nice for the fall were shown and sold at the Country Fall Festival over the weekend in Zelienople and Harmony.

Vendors sold fall-themed goods, trinkets and food and there were a number of craftsmen and demonstrations of forgotten pastimes, like axe-throwing and yarn spinning.

Amanda Reutzel has lived in Zelienople for the past five years with her family. They rode the carriage in Zelienople for the first time.

Reutzel said the event lets the shops show off the trades and goods.

“I love the little local shops,” she said. “We really like it here.”

She said they were also excited to see so many people attend and felt they were part of the community.

“It's relaxing around here,” Reutzel said. “There's a lot of friendly neighbors around.”

Zelienople also offered live music at both ends of its main street, and there was a petting zoo. The event was also open to dogs, and many brought their excited canines to enjoy the fun.

In Harmony, owners were also allowed to bring their dogs. In fact, it was encouraged by the second annual Weenie Fun Run.

Dachshunds raced to find who was the fastest wiener dog and to raise money for Zelienople-Harmony Dog Park Project.

As the dogs strolled into the venue, many were wearing costumes. There were a few dressed like hot dogs and another in a blue Adidas jumpsuit.

Other dogs, even though they weren't competing, showed their Halloween spirit, too. There was a pug dressed in Hawaiian, leafy props.

Liz Fischer of Zelienople had her dog, Hondo, race with some handler help from Fischer's granddaughter, Rayne Brown.

This was Hondo's first year racing.

“I've always wanted to take him out and race him,” Fischer said. “It's also good for the dogs to interact, and it's for a good cause.”

Before the race, Rayne said she believed in Hondo's speed.

“He'll chase a laser pointer or a squirrel or anything,” she said. “I think he might win. He's the fastest out of all our dogs.”

During his first heat, Hondo got a little distracted at the start and lost, but he showed his jets as he raced toward his competitors to greet them.

So Hondo didn't win the competition, but he looked excited to meet new friends.

Taylor Davidson, a senior at Seneca Valley High School, said the event was a healthy thing for the dogs to do, and it raised awareness of shelter animals too. Taylor was with the Butler County Humane Society which had a booth at the event.

For her senior project Taylor has been raising money for the humane society.

“I have a passion and love for animals, and I want to help them get the funds for their expenses,” Taylor said.

At the race, Taylor brought baskets, both dog and cat-themed, that garnered $1 donations.

“The money goes to the humane society to pay for food, shots and the necessities they need,” Taylor said.