KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. (AP) — Kennett Square, known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, will welcome thousands of visitors Sept. 6–7 for the 40th Annual Mushroom Festival, a family-friendly celebration of food, farming, and community.
The festival weekend was supposed to begin with the Mushroom Festival Parade on Thursday, Sept. 4, but steady rain forced organizers to cancel the kickoff event. Weather conditions are expected to improve, however, with a promising forecast for Saturday and Sunday.
The main festival opens Saturday at 10 a.m. and runs through 6 p.m., with Sunday hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $5 admission fee, cash only, covers both days.
Festival highlights
On Saturday, visitors can catch cooking demonstrations at the Culinary Tent beginning at 11 a.m., including local chefs competing in a “Chopped”-style cook-off. Live music will run throughout the day, and kids can enjoy rides, games, and activities in the family fun area. Sunday’s lineup includes the mushroom-eating contest at noon, followed by another round of cooking demonstrations and live entertainment.
Vendors and food stands will offer everything from fried mushrooms and soups to mushroom-themed crafts and souvenirs. The Mushroom Growers’ Exhibit will give visitors a behind-the-scenes look at how Kennett Square produces more than half of the nation’s mushroom crop.
Parking and access
With State Street and surrounding roads closed for the festival, parking will be limited in the borough. Paid parking is available at the municipal garage at 100 E. Linden St. for $20 per day. Shuttle service will run from Kennett High School, Unionville High School, and Chatham Financial lots, with a small additional fee. Festival organizers recommend allowing extra time for travel and using the shuttle system to avoid congestion downtown.
Community impact
In addition to celebrating the area’s agricultural roots, the Mushroom Festival raises funds for local nonprofits. Last year, more than $200,000 was distributed to area organizations.
“This festival is about more than mushrooms,” organizers said in a statement. “It’s about community spirit and family fun, and we are excited to mark 40 years of bringing people together.”
For more details, including a full schedule and parking maps, visitors can go to mushroomfestival.org.
About George Rotsch
George is the publisher of Chadds Ford LIVE along with DelawareLIVE, MilfordLIVE, and TownSquareLIVE. He is a professional communicator and marketing consultant. He has worked national brand and local non-profits and contribute to editorial strategy and as a reporter from time to time. He can be reached at george@delawarelive.com.
