The Mushroom Festival draws a steady stream of people to Kennett Square from all over America – Daily Local

userSeptember 11, 2022

KENNETT SQUARE — The 37th annual Mushroom Festival brought people from across the country and the world together in the heart of South Chester County this weekend.

An estimated 30,000 people attended on Saturday, although the final number of participants could be much higher before the event closes on Sunday, despite the expected rainfall forecast for the Northeast on September 11. 21st anniversary of 9/11.

West Chester residents Langston Smart and Ariel Smart walk down State Street during the 37th Mushroom Festival with their son Leighton in Kennett Square on September 10. (Jen Samuel — Daily Local News)

On September 10th, early birds began visiting the bustling booths of local, regional and national vendors along State Street, as well as several adjacent side streets.

By noon, thousands of people were in the center of the district, enjoying the festivities in the mushroom capital of the world. With nearly 200 vendors, from food to music, art and raffles, there was something for everyone.

“Everything is great,” said Chief William Holdsworth of the Kennett Police Department.

This weekend marks the first year the festival has returned to State Street since 2019.

“It’s great to be back,” Borough Council President Doug Derfler said.

He added on Saturday morning shortly after the event began that “it’s going to be a crazy day, but I welcome it.”

Indeed, family and friends laughed, smiled and cheered on the vendors who gathered for the event. People also lined up to sample locally grown mushrooms from an assortment of Chester County businesses.

As previously reported, the county produces the most mushrooms for all of America and Canada.

The Mushroom Festival runs until 7pm on Saturday and returns on Sunday, September 11 from 10am to 4pm. Admission is $5 per person.

Of note, 6ABC Action News’ Gina Gannon will host Junior Chopped on Sunday.

The 37th Mushroom Festival gathers tens of thousands of people on Kenneth Square on September 10. (Jen Samuel ?? — The 37th Mushroom Festival gathers tens of thousands of people on September 10 at Kenneth Square. About 200 sellers are participating in the event. (Jen Samuel – Daily Local News)

To date — and over the past three decades — the Mushroom Festival has awarded $1 million in community grants,” said Mushroom Festival Coordinator Gail Ferrante of Buona Foods.

“Kenneth Square is known for the Mushroom Festival,” said Mayor Matt Fethick. “It’s a fantastic weekend.”

The first Mushroom Festival was held in 1985.