NORTH AUGUSTA --- The city of North Augusta's largest event has ping-ponged from location to location this week, but it will finally find a new home for the first time in 20 years.

Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee has come to be known as an annual Georgia Avenue extravaganza. The Halloween festival closes the main artery of what is now considered downtown. But the festival's new location, Boechk Park in Hammond's Ferry, signifies that the city's center is shifting to the riverfront.

Event organizer Mendy DeMine said Hammond's Ferry provides parking and more access along the river. She said the festival was initially switched back to its original location when heavy rains earlier this week threatened to bog down parking. But the festival was moved back to the park less than 24 hours later.

Residents have been abuzz this week about the pros and cons of moving a long-standing tradition.

Although the event could bring thousands past Ted Godfrey's home in Hammond's Ferry, he and his wife are enthusiastic about the change, he said, citing events on the river as their reason for living in the mixed-use community.

"It's an accessible area; it's easy to get to and enjoy," Mr. Godfrey said. "That's what we wanted."

Mr. Godfrey, a North Augusta resident for more than 30 years, said he'd rather not have Georgia Avenue, one of the main entrances from Augusta to North Augusta, blocked.

"I'd like to eventually see it where multiple venues, from the brick ponds to Boeckh Park and all the way down to Riverview Park are tied together. There's more room here," he said.

Mr. Godfrey's vision is in line with that of city leaders and the master plan that was approved last year by the City Council.

Eventually, the Hammond's Ferry development will expand to connect the current site to Brick Pond Park and land under the 13th Street Bridge.

The site will feature more storefronts, homes and green space for festivals such as Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee.

Mrs. DeMine said previous festivals, such as last year's Jubilee and the Yellow Jessamine Festival, were to take place at Boeckh Park, but rain has washed out every opportunity to showcase a festival away from Georgia Avenue.

Steve McElmurray, of Parks Pharmacy, has watched the festival take place next to his storefront for years. Although it blocks parking for the few hours he's open on Saturday, he said he couldn't imagine the festival being anywhere else.

"I wonder if the Hammond's Ferry people are ready for this type of event," he said. "I don't know if the new location would deter people from going down there. It's brought people to downtown for so many years. We'll have our regulars walk by and say 'Hi.' I just don't think the new location's as easy to get to."

The Jack-o-Lantern Jubilee is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today.