One hundred years ago this May, a planeload of asparagus flew from Mullica Hill to Boston – the first time fresh produce had been shipped by air in the United States. To celebrate this historic event, the Harrison Township Historical Society is sponsoring an Asparagus Festival at the Old Town Hall Museum on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
There will be special exhibits, activities for families, cookbooks by the pound sale, commemorative t-shirts and, of course, asparagus.
The asparagus tasting event is a highlight of the day’s festivities, with attendees sampling and voting for the best recipes.
“The contest is open to everyone,” said Anthony Marino of Marino’s of Mullica Hill, one of the chefs coordinating the competition. “We want to discover the best recipes for asparagus South Jerseyans can offer.”
Entering is easy. Recipes can be submitted on-line at https://tinyurl.com/y994k25t or to the Harrison Township Historical Society, PO Box 4, 62-64 South Main St. Mullica Hill, N.J. 08062.
Submissions should include contact information and can include any special stories that might be connected with the recipe. Submissions must be received by Thursday, April 14. All kinds of recipes are encouraged: starters, side dishes, main dishes, even desserts. There is no limit on the number of recipes that can be entered.
The top entries will be prepared for tasting and judging at the festival. Tickets for the event are $10 each and are limited. The three most popular recipes will be crowned the winners, with prizes and bragging rights.
The festival is one of several things to do in Mullica Hill that day. The Mullica Hill Women’s
Triathlon Club is sponsoring an Asparagus Bike Ride and the Mullica Hill Business Association’s annual Arts on Main will coincide with the festival.
For more information, visit the festival website mullicahillasparagus.com or harrisonhistorical.com. The event benefits the exhibitions and programs of the Harrison Township Historical Society. History has never tasted this good!
