At 11:00 a.m., things were still looking a bit sleepy on Springfield Avenue. Volunteers were setting up tables, bands were setting up equipment, and the crowds weren't crowds--yet.

By noon, the sky had brighted and music could be heard the length of the Avenue from Chris and Cathy's Coney Island Grill on Boyden Avenue down to Ricciardi Home Decorating on Indiana Street.

The hot dog eating contest at Chris & Cathy's Coney Island Grill was tightly contested. Evans Osuji won first place handily, but Jerome Oliveri and Thoma Boswell tied for second and had to participate in an eat-off. Jerome outpaced Thoma to claim second price. David Buchsbaum did an excellent job calling the race and adding some drama.

The HavestFest event is designed to bring shoppers out to support local businesses on Springfield Avenue, but also to raise funds and awareness to fight breast cancer. Coney Island Grill co-owner Cathy Pennetta, who lost her mother to breast cancer at the age of 12, put it all in perspective: "This is close to my heart. Breast cancer affects your whole family." The loss of a wife, mother, sister puts a burden on all and is felt keenly, said Pennetta. "All the progress has been great. It's a worthy cause."