AUBURN - For Auburn's Tractor Supply Company, October Fest is way to say thank you to both customers and employees.

For the Finger Lakes SPCA, it was a chance to provide information about their programs, and possibly find new homes for orphaned pets.

The two-day event drew a variety of local businesses to grant Avenue Sunday.

Both the Seneca and Cayuga County Dairy Princesses had recipes for the adults and kept the children occupied with balloons and coloring sheets while their parents shopped.

Local farms such as Owens Orchard set out fall favorites, including apples, cider, gourds and pumpkins, while the Port Byron Masons, Lodge No. 130 tempted everyone with chicken barbecue.

The rainy weather kept the antique tractors away, but customers could still try out some of the gardening equipment at TSC. Assistant manager Molly Austin sees this weekend as a time of giving back to their loyal customers. And even though almost everyone works this particular weekend, the employees don't seem to mind. It gives them a chance to get to know their customers a little better, sharing some food and conversation while finally having the time to demo that log splitter.

Customers, who may run in once or twice a week for supplies, take a little more time to chat while they enjoy the doughnuts and coffee purchased from the Throopsville Community Church.