Hello there, fall!
Haddonfield organizations are being highlighted for their yearlong efforts in the community at the Fall Festival and Craft Show, which will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 14, from noon to 5 p.m.
Groups will be sprawled along the sidewalks on Kings Highway, and crafters will be in abundance.
“We feel that it’s really through the generosity of the residents who live here that make so many of the things we do possible,” said Mayor Tish Colombi.
The festival has occurred for several years in the borough.
Churches, PTAs, the historical society and the Rotary Club are just a few examples of the organizations that contribute to the health of the town, she said.
“It’s just a day to show off all the groups and what they’re doing,” said Colombi.
The Shade Tree Commission, whose members help to manage the borough’s public trees, will be on hand for the day.
“I’m coordinating a day’s worth of trolley tours,” said Robin Potter, chair of the commission.
The first free one-hour tour will begin at 10 a.m. at Mechanic Street and Kings Highway, she said.
Two of the tours will focus on the town’s historic buildings and architecture, while the other two will center in on the town’s trees.
“It’s a combination of the natural world and the historic world,” said Potter.
The commission will have a table set up downtown to speak about tree policy and programs.
“We have a volunteer group within Haddonfield called the Haddonfield Branch Managers,” she said.
Once a month during the wintertime, she said, the managers prune trees at the street level.
Members of the commission will also host a family-based chalk art project on a patch of sidewalk in front of the First Presbyterian Church.
There will be props and canvas areas marked out — with, of course, a tree-based theme — “which is fun,” said Potter.
Visitors to the festival can stop by the Information Center in Kings Court to purchase Haddonfield gift certificates for 10 percent off while supplies last.
While in the vicinity, listen to a band at 11 a.m., go for a carriage ride, leaving from Kings Court between noon and 3 p.m., or make some scarecrows in the spirit of autumn.
“People love to come to town,” said Colombi. “It’ll be fun.”
Kings Highway will not be closed off, as the festivities will be limited to the sidewalks, she said.
Garaguso Classical Martial Arts will be making a grand entrance to the community, first with a ribbon-cutting at 2 p.m. followed by demonstrations on Kings Highway at 2:30 p.m.
Not to be missed, Tanner Street will be bustling with action.
Between 70 and 80 artists and crafters will be exhibiting their work on the street, while another 20 to 30 will be lined on Kings Highway between Borough Hall and PATCO.
“There’s something for everyone,” said Marcy Boroff, craft show director.
Visitors can view glass, jewelry, fiber and wood creations — just to name a few.
Artists on display had to apply to be accepted into the show to create a high quality and diverse atmosphere, Boroff explained.
“It’s a great day,” she said.
Rounding out the day as a new feature of the festival, the farmers market will be held on Tanner Street at Library Point from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., according to the information center.
As budgets shrink, said Colombi, the importance of community groups and recognizing the efforts of volunteers rises.
In the past, several organizations donated tulips down Tanner Street.
The blooming, she said, was “absolutely spectacular.”
“It’s the little things like that that really add to the beauty of the community,” Colombi added.
To learn more about the festival, visit http://www.haddonfieldnj.org/eventsfall.php.
“It’s just a great way to spend a fall Saturday,” said Boroff.
