Moorestown Falls into Autumn
Just because summer is about to end does not mean entertainment opportunities in Moorestown have lessened. This fall brings a variety of fun and exciting events taking place throughout town.
When planning ahead for the season, residents should mark their calendars for this year’s Moorestown Business Association-sponsored Autumn in Moorestown Festival being held on Saturday, Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Main Street. At this event that hosts more than 20,000 people annually, attendees of all ages will be able to welcome the fall with fine arts and crafts, classic cars being showcased, scarecrows, pumpkin painting and so much more.
“The Autumn in Moorestown Festival is one of two or three events throughout the year that really makes living here in Moorestown special,” Gina Zegel, chair of the event for the Moorestown Business Association, said. “Main Street is shut down and people will run into friends and neighbors and experience entertainment. It’s a very special event that helps make this town so attractive.”
Then on Oct. 23, children can test out their costumes alongside parents, siblings, friends and more at the 12th Annual Moorestown Halloween Parade. The parade, also hosted by the Moorestown Business Association, will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. and will march up Main Street to Stokes Hill where additional events and entertainment will take place until dusk. For those interested in marching in the parade, assembly is required at the PNC Bank parking lot near Carl’s Shoes at 2:45 p.m.
“All the kids always enjoy the costume contest. They enjoy competing and will walk around the judging table to show off their costumes and really act out and get into character,” Brian Cooper, the event chair of the Moorestown Business Association for the parade, said. “Last year, we had over 400 kids participate, and it’s been like this for over 10 years.”
There are five categories that will be judged: scariest, cutest, family, funniest and sports. The winners of each category receive a gift certificate to the Moorestown Mall. After the contest is over, many kids enjoy watching the balloon person who attends each year, having their face painted or jumping on the inflatable moon bounce.
The last Moorestown Business Association-hosted event of the season will be Candlelight Night, held on Nov. 4 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Main Street. During this magical evening, the Main Street Business District stores will glow from the warm light of candles and display the sounds of the season. The event will feature food, music, face painters and more.
There will also be horse-drawn hay wagon rides available to attendees this year, with information provided by the Moorestown Historical Society along the ride to inform and educate long-time and new residents about the town.
“It’s an exciting event that let’s the community see all the shops as they get ready for the holidays, the reason why it’s held earlier in November,” said Steven Pazienza, current vice president and president-elect of the Moorestown Business Association. “It’s a really festive night for families and couples.”
For more information on these events, go to the MBA website at www.moorestownbusiness.com or call (856) 234–8260.
There are other fall events and programs happening at the Moorestown Recreation Center. The Moorestown Recreation center has classes, sports, clubs, tutoring and more available for people of all ages. To check out their events, go to www.moorestown.nj.us and scroll down to the Parks and Recreations hyperlink on the right side menu.