Apple Fest
Kirby’s Mill
PO Box 362
295 Church Road
Medford (Burlington County), NJ 08055
Email: info@medfordhistory.org
When: Second Saturday of October
Time: 9:00am-4:00pm
Cost: $75
Space: 10’ x 10’
This was the 37th annual Apple Fest held at historic Kirby’s Mill. According to the Historical Society, Kirby’s Mill was the last operating commercial mill in New Jersey and is the last standing mill on the Rancocas Creek dating back to the 1770’s. The show is run by dedicated group of volunteers. After hearing many positive reviews from other artists/crafters, we decided to try it. There is a maximum of 98 tight 10’ x 10’ spaces – no room in the back or to the side of your space.
All items for sale must be hand crafted by the artist/crafter applicant. No manufactured items are permitted. Artists/crafters need to submit photos of their booth, groupings of their work and a shot or two of one of their pieces by itself. The application process begins in March and an application can be found on their web site. Accepted artists/crafters are notified late June to late July.
We took advantage of the ability to set up on Friday after 12 noon and were very glad we did. Kirby’s Mill is a small heavily treed property located amongst the farms of Burlington County, NJ. We were not directed/greeted by staff; however, the spaces were clearly marked. Space is very tight making unload/loading is a bit of a challenge – especially with a cargo trailer. No overnight security is advertised, but it does not seem to be an issue. We were able to drop our cargo trailer and leave it parked in the vendor parking area overnight.
We were told anywhere from 5,000-10,000 buyers come to the show. We left there on Friday night puzzled by those numbers because of the property size. The abundance of parking spaces and shuttle bus signs were just as curious.
Those who wait until Saturday to set up can start at 6am and must be finished by 8am. We arrived by 8am Saturday morning and opened our tent. Artists/crafters could purchase their morning coffee from one of the food vendors. By 8:30am, there were several early bird buyers. Our concerns about the numbers being accurate were quickly put to rest…the buying public came and in crowds!
A section of Church Road in front of Kirby’s Mill is closed to vehicular traffic. People were all over eating and buying. The crowds were orderly and polite as were all the exhibitors.
The lines for the food were traditionally long, but well worth the wait. Available for purchase were apples, apple cider donuts, apple cider, apple on the stick, apple ice cream, apple butter, pretzels, hot dogs, sausage and peppers, hot chocolate, coffee and more.
A local business sponsored two children’s inflatable jumping activities which were free. Someone was making animal shaped balloons for the kids as well.
There were port-a-potties available for exhibitors and visitors – I did not see any handwashing facilities. Parking and admission were free.
Neighboring returning exhibitors indicated the success of this outdoor show is weather dependent and this year it was great – a bit crisp, but a sunny and dry fall day. If we are accepted again next year, we will return and will definitely set up on Friday again.
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