The community hub of Laurel Acres Park will be host to fun family activities to welcome fall a little early on Saturday, Sept. 15.
Mt. Laurel’s annual fall fest will commence with opening ceremonies behind the hill at 11 a.m. and run through 4 p.m.
“The fall festival is always a great time,” said Mayor Jim Keenan.
A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 16.
More than 20,000 area residents have attended the festival in the past, Keenan said.
Township officials are hoping for some cooperating weather this year.
“Last year, it was not great weather,” said Richele Pilkington of the recreation department. “It was muddy.”
The theme for this season is “Wild Wild West.”
Community representatives and entertainers, including Lenape High School students, will be on hand.
“It’s fun for every age,” said Pilkington.
The Philadelphia Area Songwriters Alliance members will be performing their own written works.
“That’s going to be exciting,” she said.
An urban pop band from South Jersey, SJ3, will bring their spin to the day.
“They’re pretty popular with the teen crowd,” she said.
For attendees who want to get a little country, line dancing will be taught.
It’s fine to watch if you don’t want to participate, explained Pilkington.
“It’s fun regardless,” she added.
Youngsters will have plenty of ways to stay energized, between pony rides, big slides, a moon bounce and a rock wall.
On a more serious note, EMS workers and the fire department will teach about safety.
For those looking for a leisurely stroll through the park, a variety of vendors will be setting up booths for perusal.
“It’s just a beautiful day,” said Keenan. “I encourage everyone to come out.”
5K run to precede festival
Residents with sneakers who want to go for an early morning run will have the opportunity prior to the festival.
Mt. Laurel Township will be presenting the run, rain or shine, beginning on Sept. 15 at 8:30 a.m., with a 200-yard children’s fun run for ages 6 and under at 8:15 a.m.
The course, mapped out years ago by Keenan, will run solely through Laurel Acres Park to avoid road blockages.
It will include asphalt paths, dirt roads, grass and a nature trail, according to a township document.
Members of the Mt. Laurel Striders will be volunteering with the race and awards will be given to the top man and top woman finishers.
There is a $20 cost to register, or $25 the day of the race, and the registration form can be found on the township’s website at www.mountlaurel.com/community/Fallfest5K.pdf.
In the community
While the Halloween Bash to take place at Paws Farm Nature Center is still far out, there are plenty of reasons to stop by the center and learn about animals.
Visit pawsfarm.com for calendar updates on story times and specials.
Over at Mt. Laurel Library, where the summer reading program recently ended with thousands of books digested by hungry readers (though not literally), an Edible Book Contest will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30 from noon to 3 p.m.
The creation entries will be made of edible materials that somehow relate to books.
According to a library release, prizes will be awarded for entries in the following categories: crowd favorite, most creative concept/original idea, most likely to be devoured/tastiest looking and children 12 and under.
In anticipation, check out last year’s selections by visiting www.tinyurl.com/MLediblebook.
Keep an eye on fall events. Before you know it, Santa Claus will be making his annual trip to the township.
