With leaves falling, crisp air breezing and pumpkins sitting on front porches, it is that time of year again.  Croft Farm hosted its annual Harvest Festival on October 30 from twelve to four in the afternoon.  This annual festival that has been running for over 25 years celebrates fall in Cherry Hill with fun activities for all ages.  This year, they celebrated Cherry Hill’s fiftieth anniversary as a township. Children participated in activities such as pumpkin painting, riding ponies, designing birthday hats and jumping on a moon bounce.  There was also a balloon artist along with a costume parade in addition to the Garden State Discovery Museum leading specific events. Entertainment and refreshments also provided additional enjoyment for festival goers.  To focus on the anniversary, Croft Farm also displayed an antique car and a fiftieth birthday cake.  Guests even had the opportunity to sign the “I was here” guestbook.

For a more educational experience, guests could learn about Cherry Hill’s history and contribute to a mini history project.  This project consisted of residents sharing their favorite memories and recording them for others to hear and enjoy.  Three of Cherry Hill’s talented art programs performed at the festival.  The All Cherry Hill Chorus, composed of fifth grade students from around the district performed “The Star Spangled Banner,” and winners of the photography contests “Focus on Cherry Hill” and “Fall into the Arts Juried Photography Contest,” displayed their work.  This festival yearly brings people in the township together.

“I think it’s one of the nicest events opened to the community,” said Megan Brown, director of the Cherry Hill Recreation Department.