It is almost that time of year where all along Main Street, autumn is celebrated and there is cheer to be found. The smells of kettle corn and fall treats fill the air as colorful crafts, classic cars, creative scarecrows and content families line the street for the annual Autumn in Moorestown Festival.
In its 22nd year, the Moorestown Business Association’s Autumn in Moorestown Festival welcomes the fall with something for the whole family on Saturday, Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street, rain or shine.
“Autumn in Moorestown is a family event that reflects the character and atmosphere of this great old town,” said Gina Zegel, the co-chair for the event. “It really kicks off the fall season and all of the things that go along with it.”
The MBA has been hosting this event for 22 years with humble beginnings as a gift to the town. The town continues to be gifted with the event each year, drawing more locals as well as vendors and visitors to the event as it continues. This year, there will be 80-plus vendors and around 200 cars, Zegel said.
For those interested in contemporary or traditional art, a juried show of paintings, jewelry, pottery, fiber art and many more handmade crafts will showcase the work of some of the area’s best artisans. Car enthusiasts will get the chance to enjoy a variety of vintage vehicles displayed by the Lakes Corvette Club, including full race-modified and anniversary models.
On the lawn of the Moorestown Community House, families and children will have the chance to stuff mountains of hay into clothes to create whimsical scarecrows they can use to decorate their homes. The clothing and straw for the scarecrows were donated by one of the local fire companies.
Musical entertainment will be heard all around the festival, including music from the 1950s and 1960s, a jazz trio, a rockin’ DJ and performances by MoorArts and Moorestown Theater Company.
New food vendors and old favorites will line the street as well, selling everything from tasty meats to sweet fall treats. Additionally, there will be a stilt walker, face painting, balloon sculptures and a puppeteer for a day full of entertainment for all ages.
“This is a family event with something for everyone. The guys like the cars, the women like the craft show and the kids like the children activities; along with the food, there is something for everyone,” Zegel said.
Lincoln Technical Institute is providing free parking and a free shuttle service throughout the day. Follow signs to park in its large lot at 308 W. Route 38, or enter from Harper Drive and look for the LTI buses. The shuttle will drop passengers off at High Street, one block from the center of the action.
“Get a ride into town if you have trouble finding a parking space,” Zegel said.
For additional information about the MBA and Autumn in Moorestown, contact MBA executive director Mark Morgan at (856) 234–8260 or visit www.MoorestownBusiness.com.
“I hope they purchase pieces from the artists that we bring in; I hope they take away a scarecrow; I hope they have a fun day; and I hope the weather is good. I think we’ll have a cool fall day, but don’t forget sunscreen anyway,” Zegel said.
