Peak Into Peterborough, a much loved local tradition designed to occur at peak foliage season, returned to downtown Peterborough Saturday after a three-year hiatus. The event was organized by Pelagia Vincent and the Keene-based Greater Monadnock Collaborative.

The day kicked off with a middle school football game, the Kiwanis yard sale at the Congregational Church, and the Our Town Trot 5K starting at Adams Playground. The Peterborough Fire Department hosted a Touch a Truck event starting at 10 a.m., and the Mariposa Museum hosted free family activities all day long, including a demonstration of Kamishibai theater by local resident Hiroko Chinone.

“It’s been a great day for us, lots of people in the store. It’s definitely a successful comeback,” said Melissa Carson of Anytime Apparel.

In Depot Square, families lined up for cider donuts at the Donut Shack and smoothies from The Smoothie Bus, while at Depot Park, live music was provided by Modern Fools and Walden Whitman. Fred and Leslie Vogel performed at Putnam Park, Jack Hickey played in front of the Town House, and McGilligan played in Depot Square.

At midday, the Town House hosted a free “Taste of Peterborouh Soup-Er Event,” with attendees voting for the “People’s Choice” winning soup. Participants included Kogetsu, Bubba Frank BBQ, the Monadnock Country Club, the Green Grocer, Scott-Farrar, and Rivermead.

“There is definitely some fierce competition. We’ll just have to see what happens. It’s just been a lot of fun to take part in this event and we’re happy to be here,” said Jennifer Coles of Rivermead, who was dishing out soup with some of her culinary staff.

When the votes were tallied, Rivermead took home the the golden ladle for Italian Wedding Soup.

Janet and Phil Warren of the Warren Farm in Alstead provided horse-drawn carriage rides around the downtown all day. Staring behind the Toadstool Books, the horse and cart made a circle through town, with wide-eyed children taking in the sites.

“We’re having a ball, and the kids just love the rides. Beautiful day and a great event, a great turnout,” Janet Warren said. “We couldn’t ask for more.”

In Putnam Park, local artists and vendors ranged from jewelry and wreaths to alpaca products and handmade soaps and candles. Artist Patrick Cogan of Antrim displayed his unique lamps and lighting fixtures made from household objects such as a gumball machine, a lathe, and kitchenware.

“It’s definitely been busy and a good day. It’s nice to see many people out,” he said.

A popular addition to the event this year was bouncy castles in Putnam Park, with different castles designated for big and little kids. Children also were invited to participate in free pumpkin painting.

“We’ll for sure be heading over there to spend some time. That’s a great idea for the kids,” said Sarah Katka, of Dublin, who was at Putnam Park with her young niece and nephew.

Taste of Thai, Bubba Frank’s BBQ, and Frisky Cow gelato also had good days, with lines of hungry guests waiting for lunch and snacks.

Attendees at Putnam Park were delighted by the human/canine fashion show at 1:30 p.m. The humans sported styles from downtown Peterborough’s four boutiques: Anytime Apparel, Joseph’s Coat, Underneath It All, and Alice Blue, while the dogs went au naturel.