The rain may have kept some folks at home, but it didn't dampen the spirits of those who showed up to "Celebrate South Orange" Saturday, highlighted by the first annual Sloppy Joe eating contest and a slightly soggy al fresco community dinner.

The festival, centered on the Sloan Street parking lot and Spiotta Park, offered live rock and jazz music, dance performances by Maria Priadka's Dance America Group, world cuisine from over 20 local restaurants, and lots of fun for kids and adults alike, including face-painting, inflatable slides, an artisan bazaar, and a poster auction.

While the Dunk Tank was cancelled—what's the point of getting someone wet when they're already soaked?—the Sloppy Joe eating contest, sponsored by the Town Hall Deli, drew a large crowd (If you want to know who won, click here to watch a video of the contest or check out the photo gallery).

When the weather took yet another U-turn just as the al fresco community dinner was getting ready to start, the folks at Cryan's showed their community spirit by offering their dining room as a haven for rain-weary diners.

We sent videographer Sandra Larriva and photographer Barry Kaufman to capture the activities. Click on Zoom at right for their reports.