The region is hosting an array of autumnal activities.
As autumn’s infancy slowly settles upon Sicklerville, families and friends search for activities to satisfy their fall frenzies. From classic pumpkin picking to unconventional trunk or treats, locals are especially eager for the leaves’ variegated shades of red, orange and yellow. While it seems such leaves are lingering on the branches, Gloucester and Winslow townships have not hesitated in their seasonal planning.
Camden County Fair
The series of autumnal celebrations kicks off with the Camden County Fair. This year’s fair, taking place Sept. 23 and 24, will be wedged between gardens — both beer and botanical. For the first time since 2014, the annual event is returning to the county’s sustainability campus on Lakeland Road, after spending the last few years at the grounds of Camden County College.
Aside from creating a more intimate space, the Lakeland location will add an environmental dimension to the fair, as the event will be open to tours of the greenhouses, which nurture more than 15,000 plants for the community, and the Tool Lending Library, in which residents can “recycle, repurpose and reuse” garden supplies.
Striving for a more sustainable future, the fair will simultaneously step back into the county’s past. The primary feature this year is a recognition of the copious, yet seldom-known histories of Camden County. A tent will be dedicated to local historical organizations, including the County Historical Alliance, the Gloucester Township Historical Society and the Lawnside Historical Society. Adorned in costumes appropriate of various periods, the groups will generate a visual landscape of Camden County history.
“I love going down there, seeing the kids’ reactions with all the face painting, and seeing residents come down as families,” Freeholder Jonathan Young said. “It’s just a small way for us to give back to the county, which I think is really cool.”
Pumpkin Festival
Blackwood’s 26th annual celebration is set for Sunday, Oct. 1 on the Black Horse Pike, stretching from Church Road to Lake Avenue. Running 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., this quarter-of-a-century-old fest has become a signature event in Gloucester Township.
“It’s wonderful that the community has been able to enjoy event for so many years,” said Stacy Napolitano, the center’s public relations professional. “So many people come back year after year and help and take part in the event.”
Encompassing more than 200 vendors, the four-block spectacle will feature local businesses and independent sales. The festival will be peppered with Circus Time Amusements, scarecrow building, farm fresh pumpkins for decorating, face painting, hayrides, moon bounces, a petting zoo, costume contests, a farmers market with fresh product and, of course, colossal amounts of food.
For the first time, the festival will host a puppy parade, in which pets can strut in costumes down the Black Horse Pike. Another new element is Great Cake Bake Off, giving pre-teens and teens the chance to practice their pastry-making abilities.
As they explore the kaleidoscope of amusements, folks will be serenaded with the sounds of live music.A staple of the festival is not only an exhibition of pumpkins and gourds, but also a showcase of local talent.
“The talent show goes hand-in-hand with what Mainstage does,” Napolitano said. “It goes with our core area of expertise — the performing arts.”
Scattered among three stages, a plethora of performers will highlight the afternoon, including Mainstage’s “Harmony” and “Encore” show choirs, Mainstage’s Hula students, the Cherry Hill High School East Mime Troupe.
Even those not performing are welcome to share their flairs with a children’s Talent Contest.
Visit http://mainstage.org/pumpkin-festival to register for the contests.
Fall Fest
The festival, scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 16 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Laurel Hill Bible Church, will feature games, prizes, crafts, face painting, live music, pony rides, a balloon artist, a moon bounce, delicious food, a pumpkin picking hayride and more. The church is located at 1260 Blackwood Clementon Road in Clementon.
Psycho Trail
Dare to meander the spooky path plagued with ghosts and ghoul. But watch out — while you’re keeping an eye out for the paranormal, a screwball armed with a chainsaw could strike. There is no charge for the trail, but any offerings will be donated to the American Cancer Society. Located at 311 Harrison Ave. in Blackwood, the trail is open from Oct. 14 to 30 from 7 to 9 p.m, and on Oct. 31 from 5 to 9 p.m.
Trunk or Treat
The Gloucester Township tradition is set for Friday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Veterans Park, located at 1261 Chews Landing Road in Clementon. Amid hayrides, hot chocolate and Halloween music, residents transform their vehicles into a sweets haven. The township’s annual “spooktacular” event invites friends, neighbors and community members to decorate their trunks and pass out candy. Visit www.glotwp.com or contact Orlando Mercado at omercado.glotwp.com, for more information.
Halloween Movie Party
Garbed in goblin, ghost and ghoul costumes, residents will enjoy treats, games and a screening of Tim Burton’s eerily entrancing “The Nightmare Before Christmas,” which is set to start 6 p.m the Gloucester Township Recreation Center, located at 80 Broadacres Drive in Clementon. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets or beach chairs. This event is free to all residents. They are asked to bring a nonperishable food item that will be donated to local food banks. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
