Chuckling to yourself, you stride on towards the center of town where the main festivities sprawl. The town square has been utterly transformed into an autumnal fantasyland. Carved pumpkins by the hundreds cast their flickering, toothy leers from every available perch. Garlands of crispy leaves and twisting vines adorn the pavilion where local bakers peddle their wares of candied apples, spice cookies and other saccharine temptations.