After sweating through record-setting heat this summer, many of us are more than ready to welcome the fall season with open arms. Of course this transition brings more than just temperate weather conditions. Residents have a lot to look forward to throughout Mt. Laurel in the upcoming season.
Kicking off the season, as always, will be Mt. Laurel Township’s annual Fall Festival and 5K Run/Walk at Laurel Acres Park on Saturday, Sept. 21.
The township’s annual 5K/Walk will begin at 8:30 a.m. for anyone looking to start their festival day with a good run, and the annual children’s “Fun Run,” for those 6 and under, will begin an hour later at 9:30 a.m.
As it did last year, the course will take participants through an asphalt path, dirt road, grassy terrain and nature trail all within the boundaries of scenic Laurel Acres.
Registration will be $20 for those who register before the day of the event and $25 for those who register on the morning of the 5K Run/Walk. Cost of registration includes a T-shirt for all participants.
A trophy will be presented to the top male and female finishers of the 5K, and medals will be awarded to all who participate.
To register for the event or find more information, visit mountlaurel.com.
The annual Fall Festival will commence later in the day, beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 4 p.m. According to Superintendent of Public Works Jerry Mascia, the township is expecting roughly 20,000 people to show up to the popular event that will feature food, crafts, rides, inflatables, vendors and all kinds of fun for locals of any age.
Residents can expect some old favorites to return to this year’s festival as well as some new additions.
“The ever-popular K-9 police demonstration and the fire department cutting open a car are always well received. We try every year to get new rides and bounce houses for the kids,” said Mascia.
The festival will feature a wide variety of performances throughout the day as well. Attendees will be able to enjoy performances by the Lenape band and cheerleaders, Dance Xperience, Amerikick, Mainstream Dance Academy, Kaizen Martial Arts, Sara James Band, the Hope Church Band and others.
Paws Discovery Farm has a full roster of fall events on offer this year.
On Sept. 28 and 29, Paws is hosting a make-your-own scarecrow activity from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring your own clothes and Paws will provide the stake and hay. Participants can enter their scarecrow creation in a contest for a chance to win a free Paws Discovery Farm birthday party.
On Oct. 5 and 6, Paws is once again holding its annual Pumpkin PAWlooza festival from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The event will feature pony rides, a pumpkin patch, hayrides, train rides, a petting zoo and a moon bounce.
Finally, for those brave enough, Paws will be celebrating Halloween with a daytime event Oct. 26 and 27, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and a nighttime event Oct. 18 and 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Both events will feature spooky stories, witchy science, music, dancing, animal encounters and more.
For more information about these events and price of admission, visit pawsdiscoveryfarm.com.
The Mt. Laurel Police Department will be joining in the Halloween fun with its Pumpkin Painting with the Police event, scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 5 to 7 p.m. at police headquarters, 100 Mount Laurel Road. The event will feature free pumpkin painting, snacks, juice, coffee for parents and a live DJ. Spots are limited. To register your child, email kgardner@mountlaurelpd.org.
Nearby Johnson’s Corner Farm is a fall staple and has you covered for all of your apple and pumpkin picking needs. Hayrides to the apple and pumpkin fields leave the Farm Market every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday through November. Every weekend in September and October will be the farm’s Fall Festivals. Live music, hayrides, a corn maze, gem mining and a food tent will all be available at each of these weekend events.
For more information and a full schedule of events at the farm, visit johnsonsfarm.com.
