By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

The Pennsauken Township Public Events Committee, in association with the Pennsauken Township Fire Department, will host the second annual Pennsauken Harvest Festival, a celebration of heritage, arts and community. The free event, held on Oct. 10 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Pennsauken Community Recreation Complex on Westfield Ave., will highlight Pennsauken’s diverse cultural identity with a celebration of arts and community.

“Last year, we welcomed 3,000 people to Pennsauken’s Harvest Festival,” says Township Committeewoman Betsy McBride. “We look forward to sharing the music, dance, arts, crafts and games of a wide variety of cultures with both families returning this year, as well as new visitors to our event.”

The Harvest Festival features performances by local artists that will be held throughout the day. Performing at the Festival is Pennsauken’s own singer/songwriter Rebecca Jean, as well as local favorites Out of Nowhere and Hit the Bottle Boys. There will also be performances by the Halliday Dance Studio, Dancing for God Ministry, and several cultural dance groups. “We’ve got something for everyone,” explains Thom Tillinghast, event chairperson. “The entertainment kicks off at 11:30 a.m. and continues throughout the day, so attendees are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or a blanket to sit and enjoy a lot of wonderful singing and dancing.”

In conjunction with Fire Prevention Month, an annual community outreach to inform and educate the public in regards to fire safety, the Pennsauken Fire Department will be on hand at the Harvest Festival to provide valuable information about fire safety practices and the service provided to Township residents. Local firefighters will be conducting a variety of live demonstrations throughout the day and fire safety materials will be available to festival attendees.

Rows of vendors and crafters will line the parking lot of the Recreational Complex and festival goers can sample tastes from area restaurants and food purveyors. There will also be plenty of free activities for the kids, including scarecrow making, pumpkin painting, sack races, soccer shootouts, inflatable bouncers, balloon twisting, and face painting. There will be plenty of parking with an area set aside on Bethel Ave. for those with state issued handicapped parking credentials.

“There will be so much to do and see and taste at the Harvest Festival,” adds McBride. “It’s going to be a great event for the entire family.”

The rain date for the Harvest Festival is Sunday, Oct. 11. For more information, go to the Pennsauken Township web site at twp.pennsauken.nj.us or visit the Harvest Festival’s page on Facebook.