Not even a strong gust of wind could topple the high spirits of Old Home Day participants on Donati Field on Saturday, Oct. 10.

At about 1 p.m., the wind blew a large, inflatable bounce house completely upside down as about 20 small children played inside. Parents and volunteers with horrified expressions rushed to it searching for young kids and attempting to upright the inflatable device. While some kids looked a bit spooked, not a single child was injured.

High winds became an issue throughout the afternoon, nearly knocking over the police department’s tent as well. But most kids and adults alike didn’t let the blustery conditions blow away their spirits.

Town Administrator Carol Granfield, who was wearing a T-shirt that read, “Hooksett: Voted 66th best place to live in America,” referring to the ranking by Money magazine this past summer, said she was impressed by the turnout.

“This is awesome. It’s beyond my expectations,” said Granfield, attending her first Old Home Day since becoming the town administrator in the spring. “It’s a great family event and it’s a great day for everyone to get out and enjoy the festivities.”

Carmen Perron of Hooksett said she has brought her 7-year-old son, Damian, to Old Home Day since he was 1. “He likes to see his friends. He’s a little social butterfly,” Perron said. “It’s very family oriented and you get to see people you haven’t seen in a while.”

Damian appeared excited as he was being strapped to bungee cords before jumping off a trampoline about 15 feet into the air. “Jumping very high was awesome,” Damian said afterward.

Among the dozens of tables set up by volunteer groups and area businesses was one manned by Manchester Central High School’s Key Club, a community service group that gets sponsorship from local organizations, including the Kiwanis Club. The students conducted face painting for younger children and sand art.

“It’s really rewarding,” said Jayne Kelly, 16, of Hooksett, president of the Key Club. “You can tell they’re happy when they leave.”

Other notable activities included a “Guitar Hero” contest inside the Town Hall building and the town’s food pantry holding an open house at its new location, which is also inside Town Hall.