New Rides, Raffles and Entertainment Make 2011 A Great Year for Autumnfest

If you haven't made it out to Autumnfest yet, there's still time to enjoy some of the best entertainment, food and fun in New England.

Some of today's highlights include a performance by Emily Luther. The Woonsocket native was recently on the Ellen DeGeneres Show, and the host offered to sign Luther to her record label. Luther takes the stage at 6:30 p.m. tonight, just after singers from , who begin their performance at 6 p.m. Stick around for entertainment by oldies band Kings Row and WNRI's Jeff Gamache.

Enter to win a 2011 Chevy Cruise for just $10 at the Imperial Car stand, with proceeds benefiting the continued operation of Autumnfest. The drawing for the car will be held on Monday at 6 p.m. and you don't have to be present to win.

In the Beer Garden, the finals for the "Hi Miss Neighbor" contest will run from 4 to 6 p.m. The Gansett Girls will be pouring the brews between 5 and 7 p.m., with Steve Smith and the Nakeds kicking off their rhythm and blues show at 6 p.m.

Fireworks, provided by Pyro Engineering will light up the Woonsocket sky starting at 9 p.m. Get there early to secure your spot!

With mild, warm weather and new rides and vendors, 2011 has started off as a great year for Woonsocket's largest celebration. Residents who flocked to for the opening on Saturday were treated to a total of 35 rides, up from the usual 15. Removal of the tennis courts and playground at the park over the summer allowed Fanelli Amusement to bring in the new features.

53 Participants took part in the Autumnfest Kid Challenge, with winners in four age groups. Saturday winners were as follows:

8 and 9 year old winners

Girls                                              Boys

1. Esmeralda Ortega                   1.  David DaSilva
2. Zara Fernandes                      2. Jayden Thorng
3. Crystal Virella                        3. Joseph Wynne

10 and 11 year old winners

Girls                                             Boys

1. Hope Trowbridge                   1. Raul Rivera
2. Katelyn Pichette                    2. Walter Nowicki
3. Madison Hereth                    3. Samuel Diaz

12 and 13 year old winners

Girls                                              Boys

1.    None                                    1. Filip DaSilva

2.  Patric Croft

14 and 15 year olds

Girls                                              Boys

1. Sara Cook                        1. Miguel Raymond

All racers received an Autumnfest Kid Challenge t-shirt and Kid Challenge pins thanks to a donation by Citizens Bank. Trophies for first, second and third place winners were donated by Crown Trophy of Smithfield, RI.