By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor
Pennsauken Township, in association with the Pennsauken Firefighters Association, will host its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 15 (rain date Sunday, Oct. 16). This annual event, held from noon to 4:00 p.m. at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex on Westfield Ave., brings the Township community together with a family-friendly atmosphere.
“We have a lot planned to make this year’s Fall Festival bigger and better than ever before,” explains Pennsauken Mayor Jessica Rafeh. “We invite our many residents and neighbors to join us for this great community event.”
A bicycle parade will kick off the Fall Festival, which features a variety of entertainment. Children will be able to enjoy several amusement rides, bounce houses, a petting zoo, balloon twisting, face painting, and more. Families can take a short hayride to a “pumpkin patch,” where kids can pick out a small pumpkin to decorate (one per child). This year’s event has a superhero theme; attendees will be able to have their picture taken with costumed characters.
There will also be a multicultural aspect to the Fall Festival, with activities that will showcase the community’s diversity.
“Let’s celebrate the African, Asian, European, Latin, and all of the other many cultures that help make our American culture shine,” said Mayor Rafeh. “If your community group celebrates any type of culture, we would LOVE to have you participate! You can visit PennsaukenEvents.com to learn how.”
Attendees will be able to purchase fare from a variety of food trucks. In addition, the festival’s popular “Vendor Row,” will once again be set up along the complex’s parking lot, with a variety of crafters, businesses, and community organizations sharing their goods and services with participants. Crafters, businesses, and community groups are invited to join the Fall Festival as a vendor. Spots are just $30. For more information, visit PennsaukenEvents.com.
Held in conjunction with Fire Prevention Week, a time of year to focus on promoting the importance of fire safety in the community, the Pennsauken Fire Department will hold several demonstrations. This year is the 100th anniversary of this annual awareness campaign. The theme for 2022 is, “Fire won’t wait. Plan your escape™”, highlighting the simple but important actions individuals can take to keep themselves and those around them safe from home fires.
“When a fire breaks out in a home, time is of the essence, as a fire can double in size every 30 seconds,” explains Pennsauken Fire Chief Joseph V. Palumbo, Sr. “Taking the time to create a home escape plan, holding fire drills, and making sure smoke alarms are installed in key areas throughout your home can make all the difference.”
Pennsauken’s firefighters will be joined by the Township’s police officers, who will also have vehicles on display and hold demonstrations throughout the day.
“The Pennsauken Fall Festival is a great way for our officers to meet and interact with our residents in a fun atmosphere,” said Pennsauken Police Chief Phil Olivo. “We hope you stop by and visit us at the event.”
For Fall Festival details and updates, go to PennsaukenEvents.com, visit “Pennsauken Fall Festival” on Facebook, or email jvazquez@pennsauken.gov.
