The ultimate fall festival is returning to Historic Smithville Park this Saturday, and it will feature more seasonal fun and adventure than ever before.
At this year’s Autumn Lands Festival, visitors will experience a Viking encampment and participate in a fantasy quest. There will be live music, spooky short films, a gothic circus show, tarot card readings, paranormal investigators, ax throwing and more!
This free event will be held at Smithville Park in Eastampton on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 1 PM to 7 PM.
“Leaves are changing color, everything is pumpkin-flavored, Halloween is just around the corner and Burlington County is celebrating it all with the Autumn Lands festival,” said Burlington County Commissioner Allison Eckel, the liaison to the Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “This year’s festival is going to be our biggest yet, with interactive entertainment, music, food trucks, magic shows, hayrides, crafts and so much more. It’s one of the best events hosted by our Burlington County Division of Parks with several new attractions that will offer fun and excitement for all ages.”
During the festival, Smithville will be divided into various “lands” featuring different activities, vendors, displays and entertainers. The lands include:
Magic Land: Magical moments galore await festival goers courtesy of bubble magic from nationally televised magician Meadow Perry, and fellow magicians Conrad Colon and Mystique.
Haunted Land: Travel through time to the spooky 1800s for a variety of entertaining shows and otherworldly displays. This includes a new addition: Victorian Magic Lantern theater show featuring projected paintings and photographs brought to life by sound effects, narration, music and live-action performers. There will also be showings of several spooky silent films reminiscent of those made during the 19th and early 20th centuries, plus a gothic circus show with death-defying stunts. Courageous visitors to this land can venture into the Choose Your Own Adventure Maze if they dare.
Maker Land: Blacksmiths, basket makers, artists, artisans and many more will be exhibiting their work for sale. Visitors should also visit the Apple Press, where freshly made cider will be served, and experience the high-octane excitement of chainsaw art. Also, be sure to check out the scarecrows crafted by local residents, scout groups, businesses and civic organizations and vote for your favorite.
Some of the other featured attractions at this year’s festival will be a new Viking Encampment featuring re-enactors and crafts based on writings and archeological evidence.
Another new attraction is the Fellowship of the Stone quest, an all-ages live-action-role-playing (LARP) game organized by the Pirates of Fortune’s Folly group.
Visitors won’t want to miss the new Lumberjack games from Grizzly & Co., featuring axe throwing and other frontier games. Children and families will be able to take a hayride to a special Smithville pumpkin field, where participants can choose a pumpkin to decorate in the Kids Activity Tent.
Throughout Smithville, there will also be music of all genres and other interactive activities and displays, such as the Pop-Up Nature Center and storytelling tent. Exhibits in both the Smithville Annex Gallery and Workers House Gallery will be open during the festival and there will also be food trucks, and a beer garden hosted by the Burlington County Military Affairs Committee.
“Autumn Lands is a great way to experience the beauty and history in Historic Smithville, our first county park and the crown jewel of our outstanding parks system,” Eckel said. “It’s an experience not to be missed and a great example of the entertainment, fun events and programming Burlington County Parks offers all year round.”
For more information about Burlington County Parks events and programs, check out the Fall Program Guide online at www.co.burlington.nj.us/235/Parks or download the Burlington County Parks free mobile app from the Apple or Google Play stores or by visiting Burlington County Division of Parks and Recreation (NJ) App Store Links (myocv.com).