HUDSON — Tagg Romney made a surprise visit to the Sixth Annual PumpkinFest this weekend.

The event was held Oct. 12 through Oct. 14 on the grounds in front of the Hills House on Derry Road, offering a carnival midway, music, food, an outdoor craft fair, and the ever-popular cow chip bingo.

Romney stopped by Saturday afternoon to meet people on behalf of his father, Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney. He paused to sign the Girl Scout's “get out the vote” pledge promising to vote. The Granite State and its residents are special to the family, he said.

“New Hampshire is a second home to us,” Romney said.

The campaign has seen a remarkable shift since the first presidential debate, Romney said, and he said the response has been positive as he's greeted people across the state.

“There has been a lot of enthusiasm that we're going to win New Hampshire and win the race in the fall,” Romney said.

The campaign plans to carry the momentum through to the end of the race, Romney said.

A variety of performers for children and adults were scheduled for all three days of PumpkinFest. The Rock Daddys, one of Hudson's longest-running cover bands, was a big draw on Saturday.

Joey “Pole” Polewarczyk, professional slot car racer from Hudson, brought his professional racing rig and car for an appearance at the car show on the grounds.

More than two thousand people had attended by Saturday afternoon, according to Mike Falzone, one of the event organizers. PumpkinFest was larger than last year and, most importantly, more nonprofits and children participated, Falzone said.

“That's the whole goal,” he said.

All the money raised goes toward causes supported by the Hudson Kiwanis Club.

The event continues to grow as more residents make it an annual event. Cameron O'Brien, 5, is already a PumpkinFest veteran who said his favorites were the petting zoo and the super slide.

“It's a nice family tradition,” said his dad Kevin.

jhanson@newstote.com