Loggers, scarecrows, magicians, and more will be haunting Historic Smithville Park during the upcoming Autumn Lands festival, Burlington County’s annual celebration of the fall season.
The free festival returns to the park on Saturday, October 24, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., and will feature all things autumn, including seasonal foods, music, activities, and entertainment for all ages.
“Fall is a fantastic season in Burlington County and the Autumn Lands festival is a great way to experience Smithville’s unique mix of nature, art, and history combined with the creative talents of artists and performers from across the region,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “Spooky Halloween fun, magic, and crafts, combined with live music, delicious foods, and more crate the perfect combination for everyone to enjoy during Autumn Lands.”
Headlining this year’s festival will be the Axe Women Loggers of Maine, an all-female team of competitive logging sports athletes who will demonstrate skills such as log chopping, sawing, axe throwing, and log rolling.
Other featured attractions include a Viking encampment, a Cryptid Hunt for the legendary Jersey Devil, spooky fun with the Riddlesbrood Theatrical Company Haunt, silent films with live soundtracking by Pine Barrens Synth Club, tarot card readings, and a special séance honoring the 100thanniversary of the passing of legendary magician Harry Houdini.
Attendees can vote for their favorite scarecrows on display in Smithville and enjoy other fall activities, including pumpkin painting, bonfire s’mores, and craft demonstrations. There will also be food trucks, a beer garden, live music, and plenty more entertainment. A full rundown of all the activities planned at this year’s festival is available at https://www.
The festival will be held in Historic Smithville Park, one of Burlington County’s most scenic and historical destinations due to its past as one of the Victorian era’s leading industrial sites. Smithville was originally called Shreveville before industrialist and inventor Hezekiah B. Smith purchased it in 1865 and transformed the sleepy village into a thriving industrial town responsible for manufacturing cutting-edge woodworking machines, the famed American Star Bicycle, and the world’s first bicycle railroad.
Burlington County bought the village, Smith’s mansion, and what remained of the H.B. Smith Machine factory in 1975 and developed it into the first County park. More than 50 years later it remains the crown jewel of the Burlington County Park System.
“From free summer concerts, art exhibits, and seasonal festivals, to cooking and gardening classes, fitness programs, and nature walks, the Burlington County Parks System organizes numerous events, activities, and programs designed to educate, enrich, and entertain people of all ages,”said Burlington County Commissioner Randy Brolo. “Autumn Lands is one of the premier events that celebrates the fall season and many of the fun things associated with it. It’s a great day to visit Smithville and we’re excited about all the entertainment planned this year.”
Be sure to review the Burlington County Parks Fall Program Guide at https://www.burlingtoncountynj.gov/2139/Parks for more information about Burlington County Parks events and programs and follow the Parks System on social media at https://www.facebook.com/BurlcoParksNJ and https://www.instagram.com/burlcoparksnj/?hl=en.
