Thursday, Sept. 22 was the first day of fall. That means longer sleeves, cool nights and colorful leaves. The beginning of fall also means a number of fall happenings will be coming to Burlington County.
“I know I speak for all of the freeholders when I say how thrilled we are to be able to host and participate in so many wonderful events for the residents and families of Burlington County. From our new and improved Agricultural Center, to our many amazing county parks, there is no limit to what our communities can enjoy and do together. I, for one, am looking forward to a terrific fall,” Freeholder Mary Ann O’Brien said.
Tabernacle Community Fall Festival
Celebrate fall with the Tabernacle Community Fall Festival, a free outdoor event hosted by the Tabernacle Cub Scout Pack 439 and the Education Foundation of Tabernacle Township, and sponsored by Murphy’s Fresh Markets. Held on Oct. 23, the Tabernacle Community Fall Festival is open to all members of the community, as there is something for everyone.
“It is an annual event where we bring together members of the community and surrounding communities for a day of fun,” Jennifer Husted, president of the Education Foundation of Tabernacle Township and member of the Tabernacle Community Fall Festival Planning Committee, said.
The Tabernacle Community Fall Festival is held at Seneca High School from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a Touch-a-Truck area, judged car show, craft fair, Kids Zone, food truck food court, Cub Scout zone, local businesses, music and more.
“There is a little bit of something for everyone. Dad can look at the car show; kids can enjoy the Kids Zone; and moms can go shopping at the craft fair,” Husted said. “We have all of the best of our community out at this place. It’s going to be a beautiful day, and we hope everyone will come out and join us.”
The day starts with a one-mile Family Run/Walk on the Seneca High School track. The walk is $5 per person or $20 per family, with proceeds going toward the Education Foundation of Tabernacle Township. The walk starts at 9 a.m. and early registration guarantees a t-shirt for participants. Register at www.educationfoundationtabtwp.com/2016-family-walk-for-education.
The rain date is Oct. 30.
Apple and pumpkin picking and more
Local businesses are also offering a number of fall-themed activities.
Russo’s Fruit & Vegetable Farm, V&V Adventure Farm, Johnson’s Corner Farm and Indian Acres Tree Farm offer apple and pumpkin picking. Many of the farms also include corn mazes, hayrides and other fall fun. Valenzano Winery is having fall-themed nights in the vineyard, too, featuring an actor portraying Edgar Allan Poe as a special guest. Learn more at valenzanowine.com/events/2016–10/.
Scarecrows on Main
The Womans Club of Medford presents it’s 2016 Main Street Scarecrow Contest Oct. 8 to Nov. 6. Everyone is invited to make a family-friendly scarecrow for the contest. Entry forms and a $20 check made out to WCOM in a self-addressed stamped envelope will be collected Saturday Morning, Oct. 8. Assignments will be given out that day at 9 a.m. at the gazebo, installations will commence at 9 a.m. and all entries must be registered and in place by 11 a.m. The check will be returned to those who remove their scarecrow for the Nov. 6 date.
The contest is open to all ages, with categories from youth individual under 7 through adults, groups and commercial/businesses.
This is a family-oriented event. Scarecrows can be humorous, lovable, whimsical, but not frightening or distasteful. The WCOM has the right to reject any and all scarecrows it deems offensive or inappropriate.
To learn more about requirements for entry, how to enter and the event itself, go to the WCOM Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/Thewomansclubofmedford/.
Kirby’s Mill Apple Festival
Apples are returning again in October to Kirby’s Mill. The Kirby’s Mill Apple Festival is back on Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 275 Church Road in Medford. There will be more than 100 craft booths, food, demonstrations, music, children’s activities and apple products. Admission is free. All proceeds from the Apple Festival, including profits from product sales and vendor fees, benefit the Medford Historical Society and its ongoing restoration of the Kirby’s Mill complex. Learn more at www.medfordhistory.org/events/applefestival/index.html.
Medford Halloween Parade
The Medford Vincentown Rotary Club’s annual Halloween Parade will be Oct. 29, scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. As this is a parade for children, all floats and costumes must be Halloween-themed and be appropriate for this audience. Advertising during the parade can be done through sponsorships. For more information or questions about the parade, go to www.medfordhalloweenparade.com or email the Medford-Vincentown Rotary at info@mvrotaryclub.org.
For more information on Medford events in general, visit www.medfordtownship.com/events.
Burlington County fall events
Burlington County itself has a slew of events this October.
Join in at Historic Smithville Park for its 5th Annual Scarecrows on Parade. All organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals are invited to participate by creating their own family-friendly scarecrows. A small registration fee is required, but cash prizes are awarded. The entry deadline was Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. in the Parks Office and voting runs Oct. 3 to Oct. 16. For more information, call (609) 265–5858.
The Witches Ball in Mt. Holly is Oct. 8 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. This free outdoor event is a one-of-a-kind opportunity for adults to dress up and be whoever and whatever they want. A diverse collection of music and art awaits those who have the inclination and imagination to take part. This is intended to be an event for adults. Parents who bring children under 18 should be aware that some costumes may be scary or suggestive. Strollers after dark in a large crowd can be a safety hazard, so officials ask you leave them at home. Anyone younger than 18 should be accompanied by an adult.
On Oct. 16 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the annual Fall Float Festival, also at Smithville Park. Paddle on the Rancocas Creek for free and view the autumn colors as you leisurely glide in the water. Launching/shuttling takes place at Historic Smithville Park. Spend the entire day at the park for food, entertainment and activities for all ages. New this year will be performances by Give and Take Jugglers and a Rubber Duck Regatta on the Rancocas Creek. The severe weather date is Oct. 23.
There are many more fall events in Burlington County at the Burlington County Agricultural Center, Cedar Run Wildlife Refuge, Rancocas Nature Center, Burlington County Library and many other Burlington County locations.
For a full list of Burlington County fall events and a brochure, visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/569/Programs-Events.
