What to Do
Mushroom Mania: Obviously mushrooms are the star of the show, so make sure to visit the Mushroom Growers' Tent where you'll see all kinds of live mushrooms (still growing!) and learn about the magical, unique world of mushrooms from the folks who know best--Kennett Square mushroom growers!
Fungi Foods: What's a mushroom festival without mushroom foods? Food lovers have plenty of choices for mushroom-themed foods, including the ever-popular Breaded Mushrooms and back this year, Mushroom Soup! The soup is locally made, loaded with fresh hearty portabella and white button mushrooms and milk from local dairy farms. Enjoy at the Festival and pick up a jar to take home!
Speaking of taking home, make sure to stop by the Mushroom Sales Booth so you can take home some of your favorite fresh mushrooms or get adventurous and try and new variety!
'Shroom Shopping: With crafts, creations, and culinary delights from Willow to Lafayette Street, the Festival has something for everyone. From apparel to food to pet accessories to home d?cor, you won't go home empty-handed.
But wait, there's more! Make sure to visit the many restaurants and merchants who make up Kennett Square and stop by the Mushroom Festival booth for even more unique mushroom-themed gifts.
Harvest Your Health with Mushrooms: Did you know a handful of button mushrooms have as much Potassium as a medium banana? That they're fat- and cholesterol-free, and have very low sodium and calories? Make sure to check out registered dietician Leslie Bonci for her food demos as she offers tips on how to cook mushrooms, their powerful nutrition powers, and recipe inspiration. Leslie is board-certified specialist in sports dietetics and is the owner of Active Eating Advice- be fit, fed, fearless-a nutrition consulting company and co-founder of Performance365-a sports nutrition consulting company. She is the sports nutrition consultant for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Saturday & Sunday, September 10 & 11, at 11:15, Main Stage
Winner, Winner, Mushroom Dinner!: This event puts the FUN in FUNGI when a group of brave contestants see how many fried mushrooms, they can eat in eight minutes! Hosted by WXTU's Jeff Kurkjian.
Saturday, Sept. 10, at 2pm, Main Stage
'Chopped' Mushrooms: NEW this year! Four contestants will square off in front of a LIVE audience to compete in the popular Food Network-themed 'Chopped' competition where each contestant will have 30 minutes to create a delicious mushroom-centric dish for four judges, to be judged on taste, presentation, creativity, and use of mushrooms. Contestants will have a shared pantry of ingredients like salt, pepper, oils, etc., as well as a few standard ingredients at the contestant's workstation. And of course, a Mystery Bag of ingredients that MUST BE USED! Come watch as these contestants create creative, unique, and delicious mushroom-themed dishes--'Chopped'-style! Adult and Junior (13-17) versions.
Saturday, Sept. 10, at 12:30, Main Stage, Adults
Sunday, Sept. 11, at 12:30, Main Stage, Juniors
'Shroom Sounds: From classic rock to pop to oldies to even a little classical, the Mushroom Festival has a variety of bands and artists who will be performing at the Main Stage for everyone to sing and dance.
Lil' Buttons: Bring the kids (but not the pets, sorry) and stop by the Children's Area where kids can get the wiggles out in the Bounce Zone. For those who want to go a little higher, head to the Bungee Jump! Fun Gus, that adorable mushroom character, will be walking the Festival and loves hi-five, dance, and take photos with everyone. Happy Heart Clown 'n Stuff will be twisting balloons, and if that's not enough, make sure to check out Miss Maggie Sings on Saturday!
Miss Maggie Sings, Saturday, September 10, at 3pm, Main Stage
More, More, More!: If that's not enough, there's an Antique and Classic Car Show, Saturday only, there's a Painted Mushroom Silent Auction, the Cute as a Button Photo Contest and much more!
