KENNETT SQUARE — Take your Mushroom Festival experience to the next level by registering for one of its special events such as the Antique and Classic Car Show, the Mushroom Run and Fun Walk, or the Cute-As-A-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest, or the Community Parade. Many events offer discounts for preregistration and include admission wristbands. All applications and online registration links are found the Mushroom Festival’s website: mushroomfestival.org.
The 30th Annual Mushroom Festival is September 12 and 13 in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, the Mushroom Capital of the World! Details for each event follow.
Volunteers Needed: One way to thoroughly enjoy the day at the Mushroom Festival is to volunteer for one of its half-day shifts. Volunteers receive t-shirts, admission wristbands, and parking passes. Help the Festival half the day and enjoy the Festival for the rest of the weekend. Email your contact information to themushroomfestival@gmail.com and the Festival’s volunteer coordinator will contact you.
Community Parade: The Community Parade is a great opportunity for area clubs, organizations, neighborhoods, and friends to come together and be a part of the festivities by entering a float, organizing a marching band, or coming as a marching unit. The parade’s theme: Mushrooms on Parade. The parade kicks-off at 6 pm from State and Willow Streets. Details and applications are online.
Antique and Classic Car Show: Sit in the shade along Broad Street and proudly display your antique or classic car for all our Festival guests to admire. This annual Saturday event is a Festival favorite of our attendees. Preregistration is open until September 4 for $15. Open registration the day of the event, is $20. The first 100 registrants receive a t-shirt, dash plaque, one admission wristband, and a free package of mushrooms. The event runs from 11 am. To 4 pm.
Mushroom Run and Fun Walk: Make the commitment now to start your Mushroom Festival Sunday with a brisk run or walk along the scenic Red Clay Valley. If you like a little competition, set your goals on winning! This annual 5K run and 2-mile walk starts and finishes in front of Kennett High School and traverses along the winding Red Clay Creek, passing a few of the area’s mushroom farms along the way. Online preregistration is open until September 10 for $20. Race-day (Sunday, September 13) registration is $25. Race participants receive a T-shirt, while supplies last. Admission wristbands are included with registration. Prizes are awarded for first place overall male and female, and top walker. Medals are awarded for first, second, and third place in all age categories. Beverages and snacks are provided after the run. Race kicks-off at 8:30 am on Sunday, September 13.
Cute-as-a-Button: Entries are being accepted for the Cute-as-a-Button (Mushroom) Baby Photo Contest through September 4. Take a photo of your precious Button (6 to 15 months old), Crimini (15 to 24 months old) and/or Portabella (2 to 3 years old) and send it to us with the application form. Festival attendees vote with their pocket change at the Cute-As-A-Button (Mushroom) booth near State and Meredith Streets. The photo which collects the most funds is crowned this year’s cutest! All donations are given to a children’s charity through the Mushroom Festival’s grant program.
