Kids are back in school and the air is starting to cool.
With fall just around the corner, long-time Mt. Laurel residents know the township’s annual fall festival can’t be far off.
The 2016 Mt. Laurel Township Fall Festival & 5K Run/Walk are set to return on Sept. 17. As in years past, the festival will be held at Laurel Acres Park from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the running and walking events taking place earlier in the day starting at 8:30 a.m.
According to acting township manager Meredith Tomczyk, this year’s event is set to bring back all the fun and entertainment of past years with even more vendors.
Tomczyk said the township received a great deal of interest from vendors, and even by expanding the event, all slots filled up well before the week of the festival.
“We have some really great new food vendors coming out this year and some returning ones that everyone loves,” Tomczyk said.
Tomczyk said many of the favorite rides of previous festivals would once again make an appearance, including mechanical rides and moon bounces.
The township is also offering a special deal for children who want to go on rides, where for $10 children can go on as many rides as they would like for the entire length of the festival.
The event is also set to feature musical acts and demonstrations from outlets such as cheerleading squads, dance companies and more.
Tomczyk said the Mt. Laurel Township Police Department will also present a K-9 demonstration, and the Mt. Laurel Fire Department will be on hand to present a rescue demonstration where it cuts open an automobile.
Tomczyk also said the Mt. Laurel Police Department would be selling its 2016 police K-9 shirts.
“They were a big hit last year,” Tomczyk said.
Those looking for some fun before the festival starts will get their chance with the annual 5K Run/Walk and children’s “Fun Run” before the event starts. Runners for the 5K can register on the day of the event beginning at 7:30 a.m., with the run itself beginning at 8:30 a.m. Children can participate in the “Fun Run” prior to the run at 8:15 a.m. Runners who participate in the 5K will compete on a winding course through the woods of the park.
Tomczyk said there would be awards handed out at the end of the race for best male and best female times.
For more information on the 2016 Mt. Laurel Township Fall Festival & 5K Run/Walk, contact the Mt. Laurel Township Parks and Recreation Department by calling (856) 234–0001 ext. 1220 or through email at [email protected].
The rain date for this year’s Fall Festival is scheduled for Sept. 18.
