Twenty-eight years ago the Evesham Township Historic Preservation Committee and the township created the Fall Festival, one of the largest and most celebrated community events in the area.
Eventually, the Evesham Women’s League became involved, further developing the festival. Now known as the Harvest Fest, and hosted by the Evesham Celebrations Foundation, the festivities will again return to Main Street on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. rain or shine.
The original goal of the Historic Preservation Committee was to attract business to Main Street, a goal that persists, Ann Macready said, former Women’s League member and organizer of the Harvest Fest.
“We [the Women’s League] worked with the fire department and the police to really make the event run smoothly. Eventually it became so big we were closing the road for safety,” Macready said. “It has really evolved since we began in 1986.”
The Fall Festival originated with a few tables and “historic” vendors, such as glassblowing, Macready said. Soon, crafters, children-oriented activities and food vendors were added.
“The Evesham Harvest Fest has a long history here,” Mayor Randy Brown said. “Each year it reminds us of the viability of Main Street and the importance of community. We’re thrilled for the 28th year of celebration.”
In 2004, the Women’s League dissolved and the Center for the Arts in Southern New Jersey appropriated the event, where Macready remained. She and volunteers from the Center hosted the Fall Festival for another eight years before the Evesham Celebrations Foundation took the helm in 2012.
“Harvest Fest is the most successful continuous community event,” Macready said. “We wanted to keep it uniquely community-oriented. I’m happy the Evesham Celebrations Foundation now runs the event, keeping the tradition. We’re all part of the same community, so it works out. It’s fabulous.”
The Harvest Fest will return to Main Street with more than 65 vendors, artists, a food court, live music, a children’s section and much more.
“When the Evesham Celebrations Foundation took over the Harvest Fest, we knew we were taking over a long-standing tradition,” Christine Krimmel said, the Harvest Fest chairperson. “The ECF works hard all year to ensure a memorable afternoon.”
The ECF dedicates itself to the Harvest Fest and its traditions, Krimmel said.
“We carefully organize all year. The Harvest Fest truly comes together as soon as the Independence Day Celebration has passed,” Krimmel said.
Residents can begin their day at Main and Maple, with the street fair ending at North Locust. Evesham’s main thoroughfare will be peppered with local artists, crafters, local food and the faces of family and friends.
“Harvest Fest is where we gather and welcome the fall with a bang,” Brown said. “We have a fantastic team between the Evesham Celebrations Foundation, the Evesham Police Department and the Evesham-Fire Rescue. This event could not happen without the team we have here in Evesham.”
Bring friends and family to the Evesham Harvest Fest on Sept. 27 from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., rain or shine on Main Street. We look forward to seeing you.
For more information, visit www.eveshamcelebrations.org.
