If you think after 26 years, locals are tired of the annual Pine Barrens Festival you would be mistaken.
“It’s something they look forward to all year,” Amy Morgan of Southampton said of her two daughters. “They love playing the games and riding the rides. Oh and the food.”
While funnel cakes, fried Oreos and ice cream are crowd favorites, the food and beer tents are stocked with much more than normal carnival fare as visitors can choose from crabs and clams to pulled pork and chicken wings.
“It’s a night out that’s different from the usual,” Ted Samuels said. “You can have dinner outside, listen to some music, it’s really nice. And you know you’ll see someone you know walking around.”
Father Andrew Jamieson said the parish expects more than 30,000 visitors throughout the week. The big crowds and carnival atmosphere lead many to compare the event to a night at the beach.
“It’s really an awesome event to have so close to home. It’s like a night out on the Ocean City or Wildwood boardwalk,” said Mark Smith, who made the short trek from Medford Lakes with his wife and daughter. “To have all the rides and games and food here is great for us. It’s easy to come any night of the week and you don’t have to travel all the way to the shore for a night like this.”
More than 450 volunteers decked out in lime green “2014 Pine Barrens Festival” t-shirts donated their time to the event both within and outside the parish. The parish maintains all the booths and the only part of the event run by an outside source is the rides.
The Ferris wheel proved to be the most popular ride with teenage couples hoping to get stuck at the top while the teacups and bumper cars were the draw for younger riders.
“Majestic Midways continues to be great in providing the rides and they draw a lot of people to the festival,” Jamieson said.
The only obstacle for parents? Convincing their kids they have to leave. Oh and that they can’t come back every night.
“You try not to give them too much sugar,” Smith said with a laugh. “But I’m sure we’ll be back another night even if it is just to play some games for a little bit.
