Downtown Franklin's 41st annual PumpkinFest drew more than 172,000 visitors over its first-ever two-day run, a record for the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County's festival lineup.

Heritage Foundation CEO Bari Beasley shared the attendance figure and the results of an economic impact study before the ribbon cutting on the festival's Main Stage, as reported by the Williamson Herald. The organization's three annual festivals, PumpkinFest, Main Street Fest and Dickens of a Christmas, together generate a $10 million annual economic impact on Franklin, according to the study.

"We're really proud of that," Beasley said.

Beasley said her team decided after last year's PumpkinFest to expand the event from one day to two. The 41st edition featured live entertainment, hundreds of vendors lining Main Street, apple cider doughnuts and a tree made of pumpkins.

The two-day format brought new energy to the festival. Dozens of attendees wore elaborate costumes on Main Street, with Dolly Parton getups a common sight this year. Others came in spooky outfits for the occasion.

Several vendors were setting up at PumpkinFest for the first time. Amy Fenley, owner of Hey Fancy Plants, said she looked forward to "all the people" and "all the pumpkin fun." Jill Francoforte, owner of Palmer Kennedy, said her first PumpkinFest was a chance to meet new people and share her business's message of faith.

Nashville-based artist Jordan Sasmore, a returning vendor, said the two-day format was a welcome change. She noted that last year's single-day event felt short given the crowds.

First-time visitors came from across the region. Megan Bryson of Murfreesboro attended with her best friend, Alex Rogers, who was visiting from Kentucky. Sabrina Lamarre of Nashville said she preferred PumpkinFest to Nashville's Tomato Fest, citing more vendors, more food and better live music.

At the ribbon cutting, Beasley recognized Sen. Jack Johnson, Sen. Brent Taylor, Aldermen Jason Potts and Greg Ceasar, and presenting sponsor Atmos Energy.

The Heritage Foundation's next downtown festival, Dickens of a Christmas, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, on Main Street.