ARLINGTON — In spite of the day’s dreary weather and the recent tragedy in neighboring Marysville, Arlington’s annual Hometown Holidays drew sizable crowds of trick-or-treaters and costumed attendees of all ages Oct. 25.

City Recreation Manager Sarah Lopez cited the return of the First Street hill pumpkin-roll, which Youth Dynamics brought back after its absence last year, and the debut of the 5K walk to benefit those with breast cancer this year.

“The walk was scheduled for that same Saturday on purpose, to tie into Hometown Halloween,” said Lopez, who touted the event’s live music and hot dog meals at the Legion Park gazebo, which also hosted the costume contest.

Arlington Arts Council President Sarah Arney helped preside over the costume contest, whose bustling lineup of entrants she guessed were bolstered by the promise of $20 pizza certificates as prizes for each age category.

“This contest just gets bigger all the time,” Arney said. “I’m getting so old that I don’t even recognize who half the characters are supposed to be, but we always make sure to reward creativity and effort in the costume designs.”

Among this year’s winners was 60-year-old Judy Tilley, the oldest Arlington costume contestant ever, who took first place in the 12-and-up category for her Lucille Ball outfit, makeup and wig, straight out of “I Love Lucy.”

“Her son won our contests throughout the years, but he’s headed off to college, so she decided to give it a go this time,” Arney said. “Since she does free face-painting for events around town, she’s experienced with colorful makeup.

“I just love Halloween in Arlington,” she added. “The whole community comes together. It’s a gas.”