Community, tourism and of course, all things mushroom…
By Kim Chiomento, News Editor, The Times
Kennett Square’s own Food Network ‘Chopped’ finalist, Lisa Keys, demonstrates in the festival’s culinary tent.
KENNETT SQUARE – Visitors strolled historic Kennett Square Borough’s charming streets this weekend to enjoy shopping, crafts, food vendors and entertainment as the nationally recognized festival celebrated its 30th anniversary. Despite a bit of rainy weather Saturday, with umbrellas the most popular festival accessory that day, the spirit of the weekend could not be dampened.
KHS’ girls lacrosse team lends a hand – just a few of the hundreds of volunteers who come together to make the festival happen.
Each year, under the guidance of 12-member board, the all-volunteer Mushroom Festival organization produces the festival with a mission of promoting tourism in Chester County, and Kennett Square’s favorite crop, mushrooms.
Many don’t realize that the festival maintains a charitable focus; in 2014 the festival donated more than $80,000 back to the community via Mushroom Festival Grants. In addition, approximately 300 volunteers, from across the community, come together to manages wide range of logistics including parking, ticketing, sales, special events and communications.
Friends enjoying the festival’s soup and wine tasting tent.
The weekend-long festival has grown to include a popular kick-off parade Friday evening, a mile of 200 vendors, live entertainment, carnival rides, national fried mushroom eating and ‘cute as a button’ baby contests, culinary tent, soup and wine tasting, antique car show, and Mushroom Fun Run 2k. It has been recognized as one of the top food-focused festivals nationally, and estimates put annual attendance at 100,000 people.
The Times is pleased to share a sampling of the weekend’s fun. For more information visit mushroomfestival.org
Local teens enjoying the festival scene.
