Celebrate history, antiques and the spooky spirit of Halloween in the coming months of autumn
The temperature outside is beginning to cool, but that shouldn’t stop Mullica Hill residents from getting together to celebrate the new season. With a number of family-oriented events taking place to mark the start of fall, community members will have the opportunity to attend festivals, Halloween parades, a Civil War reenactment and more.
According to Township Administrator Mark Gravinese, the upcoming autumn events provide residents, and “day-trippers” from out of town, the chance to explore the streets of the historic district, while spending time with family and friends.
Community events
The Mullica Hill Merchants Association will host the annual Antique Car Show, Concert on the Hill and Barbeque festivities on Sept. 16 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at OKKA Karate Studio, located at 33 S. Main St., Mullica Hill. New this year, according to Gravinese, is the addition of live music from local bands, as well as fresh barbeque and vendors available during the event. The festivities will also include a DJ, antique vendors and contests for participating antique cars. Old Town Hall Museum will also be open to the public during this time to learn more about the history of the surrounding area and to preview the “Weird New Jersey” fall exhibition, slated for display from Oct. 7 to Dec. 17 every Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
The annual Community Yard Sale at Ella Harris Park will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 30. According to Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew, the event is held next to the park’s concession stand area, and with people coming and going through the park during the day’s fall baseball games, the event is a “great way to make extra cash for slightly used items.”
Chew said the goal is to fill between 20 to 30 spaces, at $25 per space.
“Your used items may be someone else’s treasures,” Chew said.
Setup time is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m., and those registered must bring their own table and tent if needed. For more information, visit www.harrisontwp.us.
Actors and community members dressed as Civil War soldiers and citizens of the 19th century will camp out on either side of North and South Main Street on Oct. 14 and Oct. 15. Reenactments will take place with participants in full uniform, complete with a weapons display, as well as vendors, food trucks and festival attractions from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.
“It’s a great family-oriented event for not only history buffs, but the community looking for something to do,” Gravinese said. “It’s a community day for outsiders and internal residents.”
On Monday, Oct. 9, Columbus Day, take a bus trip with Harrison Township Recreation Commission to Sight and Sound Theatres in Strasburg, Pa., to see “Jonah,” followed by a stop at Kitchen Kettle Village for lunch and shopping. Adult tickets are $95, while children ages 3 to 12 are $47.
A bus trip to the 911 Memorial and Museum in New York City will take place on Friday, Nov. 3, followed by dinner at Mastoris in Bordentown on the way home. Adult tickets at $105, youth ages 7 to 17 and seniors or veterans are $90, while retired or active duty military (ID required) is $75. Seating is limited.
To reserve a seat on either bus trip, call (856) 223–8777.
Halloween festivities
Oct. 28 is the 11th annual Trick or Trot 5K costume fun run and one-mile walk, presented by Harrison Township Recreation Commission and Victory Physical Therapy at Ella Harris Park, located at 155 Commissioners Road. The cost is $15 per pre-registered participant, $20 on the day of the race. Proceeds are used for improvements and renovations making township parks and programs accessible to all children and community members, including those with disabilities or special needs. Registration will take place from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., with an 8:30 a.m. kickoff start time, rain or shine. To register online, visit www.runsignup.com/trickortrot.
At 11 a.m., Halloween festivities will begin with pumpkin painting and hayrides. Children are invited to pre-register to participate in costume judging for the Halloween parade, which will follow at 1 p.m.
“We co-sponsor with the police department for the parade, so it’s a good day to get out and for kids to see police interacting and know not to be afraid of them,” Chew said.
For more information on the Halloween festivities, visit www.harrisontwp.us.
