Fall events approach at Burlington County parks
Burlington County parks come alive in the fall and play host to popular outdoor events, such as the Fall Foliage Float, and Scarecrows on Display, Haunted Prison, and indoor events at the Prison Museum, Warden’s House, Smithville Mansion, Workers’ House Gallery and Underground Railroad Museum.
“Autumn is the ideal time to explore the parks and view the breathtaking colors that are ready to explode with nature walks and canoe trips led by park rangers, fly-fishing classes, bird watching and amphibian exploration,” said Burlington County Freeholder Director Joe Donnelly. “Residents can also lend us a hand in one of our scheduled fall park cleanups.”
“Tons of information is just a click away,” said Donnelly. “Just visit www.co.burlington.nj.us /parks to get a full description of each park, as well as the current list of programs available.”
The county events calendar lists all of the park related activities. It is located on the front page of our website: www.co.burlington.nj.us on the right side on the page. “Those folks that are not computer savvy can call (609) 265–5858,” said Donnelly.
The Burlington County 37th Annual Juried Art Show will feature visual artists from all over the Delaware Valley. This show will include 2D and 3D works as well as installations at the Historic Smithville Park Annex Gallery in Eastampton. Works will be on display until Nov. 1. An artists’ reception will be held on Oct. 5, from 2 to 4 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
The Workers’ House Gallery on the Smithville Mansion grounds holds exhibits throughout the year. Through the Needle’s Eye will run through Oct. 20. Members of the Colonial West Jersey Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America, Inc. will display their needlework in all areas of stitchery including classic crewel embroidery and canvas work, applique and creative stitchery.
Join us for the 2nd Annual Scarecrows on Parade on the grounds of the Smithville Mansion in Eastampton. We invite organizations, businesses, clubs and individuals to participate by creating their own family-friendly scarecrow. Visitors to the park may view scarecrows throughout the month of October and vote for their favorite ones. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. until dusk.
On Oct. 20, we are holding the Fall Foliage Family Float Festival. Residents can canoe on the Rancocas Creek and see the fall foliage along the creek from Smithville Park to Mount Holly. Paddlers will be shuttled back to Historic Smithville Park for food, entertainment and activities for all ages. Visitors can launch canoes and kayaks from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The festival will continue until 4 p.m.
There are three park cleanups scheduled this fall. Visitors can help inventory and collect litter and debris along the waterlines. The first is on Saturday, Oct. 5 from 9 a.m. to noon at Amico Island on Norman Avenue in Delran.
The second cleanup is on Saturday, Oct. 12 from 8:30 am to noon along the North Branch of the Rancocas Creek from Smithville to Mount Holly. Volunteers must provide their own canoes or kayaks to participate in this cleanup. Buses will be available at the end of the trip to transport paddlers back to their vehicles.
The last scheduled cleanup is on Saturday, Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to noon also at Amico Island in Delran.
To learn more about park cleanups, please call (609) 499–1001, Ext. 266.
