The last days of summer are slowly fading away, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end! Welcome the fall season by enjoying a variety of exciting festivals and events that offer everything from food and music to games and parades! It’s time to pack up your car and experience the fun.
Mark your calendar for these events!
Benvenuto! Come celebrate the Italian heritage with the 10th annual Mercer County Italian American Festival in West Windsor, New Jersey. This popular festival features a variety of events. The pavilion features an indoor bocce court, as well as memorabilia of more than 200 important and famous Italian-Americans who have played a significant role in our country’s history. The Food Piazza gives you the opportunity to sample delicious Italian specialties, beer and wine from the area’s finest Italian restaurants. For entertainment, there are Italian folk dancers, traditional Italian music, opera and big band music and amusement rides. Stick around Saturday evening for the spectacular fireworks display. The Italian American Festival is Friday through Sunday, September 25 through 27 at Mercer County Park, Old Trenton Road, West Windsor. For more information, visit http://www.italianamericanfestival.com/.
A festival for garlic? You don’t have to hold your breath because it’s time for the sixth annual Long Island Garlic Festival in Riverhead, New York! This two-day party celebrates the wonders of this onion specie through food, music, crafts and plenty of garlic. Get in touch with your inner chef and enter the Great Garlic Cook-off. Categories include Most Garlicky, Sweet, Sweet Garlic, Jams and Jellies, Pickles and Savory Garlic. If you prefer just eating, the festival offers everything imaginable made from garlic – garlic bread, garlic soup and even garlic popcorn! Both days feature live entertainment, and the children can enjoy games, pumpkin carving and pony and hay rides. The Long Island Garlic Festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday, September 26 and 27 at the Garden of Eve organic farmstand, 4558 Sound Avenue, Riverhead. For more information, visit www.gardenofevefarm.com/garlic-festival.htm.
Get a taste of the past at the Oyster Festival and Colonial Days in York, Pennsylvania. Prepare to indulge your taste buds in delicious eats and drinks. Interact with colonial farmers, soldiers, housewives and artisans as they go about traditional colonial activities. Watch – and join in – as the Pennsylvania Militia drills on the green or participate in the dancing and games. The Oyster Festival and Colonial Days takes place on Sunday, October 18 at the York County Heritage Trust, 250 East Market Street, York. For more information, visit www.yorkheritage.org.
It has been going on for 166 years, and now is your chance to experience the Long Island Fair in Old Bethpage, New York. This recreated 19th century county fair features a replica of the 1866 Fairgounds Exhibition Hall, which displays prize-winning vegetables, as well as flowers and crafts. There’s plenty to see and do – from riding a historic carousel and enjoying children’s games to the wagon and pony rides, magic shows and puppet shows! The Long Island Fair is Thursday, October 1 through Sunday, October 4 at Old Bethpage Village, Round Swamp Road, Old Bethpage. For more information, visit www.lifair.org.
Fall is always fun!
