Five little girls clad in star-spangled tights and red, white and blue skirts marched on stage. All smiles, the girls marched and sang along to a rousing rendition of “God Bless America” for the Little Miss Walden competition, a main staple of the annual Walden Harvest Festival. The fun-filled day took place last weekend.

The girls somersaulted and showed off their dance moves in the talent portion before donning elegant ballgowns for the evening dress and Q&A portion. Clad in a long white dress, Little Miss Gala stepped up to the microphone to answer her question.

“If superheroes were real, what would you want them to do?” announcer Pam Murphy asked.

“Save everyone in the world that needs help,” Little Miss Gala said.

Cecilia Castro participates in the Walden Harvest Festival doughnut eating contest.

The girls were judged on their poise, appearance, personality, stage presence and overall presentation.

Then, the moment they had all eagerly been waiting for arrived. Alana Velez was crowned Little Miss Walden, eagerly donning her tiara and sash for the admiring crowd.

Taylor Ehart, Alana’s mother, said she was proud of her daughter. Velez practices ballet and tap dance, so the competition improved her stage performance.

The festival also had a few quirky events, such as the frog-jumping competition. One of four frogs were plunked onto a silver tarp so teams of four could prod them forward. Each frog had three hops before the distance was measured. The winning hops: 74 inches.

Counter to popular belief, the smaller frogs usually hop farther because they are more likely to be preyed upon, frog catcher Jim VanHouten said.

While most years VanHouten said he can collect many more, he was only able to catch four frogs this year with the help of his daughter Katherine. More frogs have gone into hibernation than usual because of an increase in rain this year.

Still, children had fun prodding the frogs, giggling as they hopped. Some frogs were reluctant to hop, taking a few pokes, while others hopped easily. A few attempted to escape before being scooped up by a crowd of giggling children.

The doughnut eating contest also attracted a crowd. Participants munched Dunkin Doughnuts for two minutes before a winner was declared.

The festival also featured many booths for local businesses and community organizations.

A group of four volunteers in bright yellow and orange t-shirts manned a booth for the Walden Sunshine Society, gaining exposure through the Harvest Festival. The Walden Sunshine Society loans free medical equipment to those in need and visits local shut-ins and nursing home residents.

Contestants in the frog-jumping competition try to coax a frog into action at the Walden Harvest Festival.

Vice president of Walden Sunshine Society Geri Iorlano said all are welcome to attend monthly meetings at the Walden Municipal Building on the first Tuesday of each month. Iorlano said the organization is in need of a small transport van.

Donna Collins and Susie Brown sold raffle tickets for Sophia Strong, an organization that supports a seven-year-old Walden girl with an inoperable brain tumor.

While the festival was a great way for local charitable organizations to give back, it also gave local businesses the opportunity to sell their products.

Home baker Sandy Wetzel sold more than 20 varieties of cookies at the festival, promoting her home baking business. She said these events allow her to meet new people and continue doing what she loves.

“It’s just something I’ve always loved to do and I’m doing something with it,” Wetzel said.

Walden Mayor Susan Rumbold said the annual event is an opportunity for neighbors to come together and have some fun.

“It’s just a nice day to celebrate the community of Walden,” Rumbold said.