Stem Steps Out (SSO) is a fabulous Fall festival sponsored and organized by STEM (Save the Environment of Moorestown). There are many festivals you could attend this Fall but this is the only one with an environmental focus and you are not going to want to miss it! It is being held on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. at Strawbridge Lake on the corner of Kings Highway and Haines Mill Drive (rain or shine). This year’s theme is “An Apple a Day the Environmental Way”.
Moorestown school children ages K-3 were invited to participate in a coloring contest in advance of the event. The winning entries will be on display at the festival where winners will receive their awards. The theme for the coloring contest is “Johnny Appleseed”.
Johnny Appleseed (whose real name was John Capman) was born in 1774 and died in 1845 in Fort Wayne, Indiana where a large park was erected in his memory. He became an American legend by traveling the countryside and planting apple seeds. By this way, he introduced apple trees to a large part of the midwest including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. He became known as a conservationist and was a kind and generous man. His legacy is the beautiful apple trees growing in this region today. Children at the STEM festival can participate in a story time where they will learn more about the legend of Johnny Appleseed.
A day with an apple theme would not be complete without a tasting of the delicious apple fruit which will be in season at this time. An apple tasting booth will allow the visitor to taste and compare fresh apple varieties from local growers. The festival will also feature an apple dessert contest for all ages. Participants are to bring their apple desserts (including recipe with their name and phone number or email) to the tent at Strawbridge Lake no later than 11:30 a.m. on Sunday. Christine McHale (“Pie Lady” from Pie lady Cafe on Main Street) will be our Apple Dessert Contest judge. Winners will be announced and will receive their awards at 12:30 p.m. A piece of dessert (of your choice) and a scoop of ice cream will be available for a small donation. Come early if you want to taste one of the winners!
Other activities and events of the day include a fishing contest for ages 6 to 15, live animal exhibits, crafts and games for kids, environmental organization’s exhibits, pumpkins, cornstalks, mums, STEM’s photo contest winners on display, and refreshments. You will not want to miss this FREE event.
