By Jennifer Kohlhepp, Managing Editor
Families spread bright tablecloths on the wooden picnic tables beneath the shady trees while the sound of bluegrass and old time music meandered through the air.
Historic Walnford proved a serene escape from the cityscape and suburbia for over 500 people on Saturday. They were all there to bask in the sights, sounds and smells of rural life on the 36-acre mill village, founded in 1734, but most of all to taste summer’s bounty of sweet Jersey Fresh corn.
The second annual Sweet Corn Festival featured games, corn-themed crafts, milling demonstrations in the gristmill, a reptile show, a climbing wall by the tenant house, clay hand-building in the cow barn and more. The highlight of the event, however, for those from near and far was enjoying ears of freshly boiled corn on the cob served with a smile by Sarah Bent, historic site supervisor.
”The event attendance was a pleasant 511 people who enjoyed 450 ears of the very best, very fresh, sweet corn from Ellis Farm down the road and around the corner from Walnford,” Ms. Bent said. “Although I didn’t leave the corn tent, I heard the sounds of happy participants in the games area on the west lawn, and saw evidence of craft creativity with the various make and take pieces visitors were carrying. Live music is always a treat, and the climbing wall offers a great challenge to visitors.”
Charlotte Pacelli, 13, and Elianna Richman, 11, both of Freehold, proudly displayed the corn decorations they wove out of construction paper by the cow barn.
”I enjoyed the rock wall and the crafts,” Charlotte said.
”I think it’s pretty cool seeing the corn machine (gristmill),” Elianna said. “I wanted to see everything that had to do with corn and be with my friend.”
The Sweet Corn Festival is held at Historic Walnford to bring people who are unfamiliar with this more rural end of Monmouth County out to see the agriculture, history, and wonderful open space preservation in Upper Freehold Township as they travel to a county park they may not be familiar with, with some of the family-friendly activities they know and love from other county parks, according to Ms. Bent.
”Although Historic Walnford is the host site, the Sweet Corn Festival was developed by Lauren Gerber and her staff at Dorbrook Park,” Ms. Bent said. “She puts it together each year bringing in other Monmouth County Park System divisions including the Naturalists with the Reptile Show, the Creative Arts Division ceramics demonstration, and Outdoor Adventures’ climbing wall along with extra staff to help husk all the corn.”
Anyone looking for a glimpse at two centuries of history told through the stories of one family across five generations should visit Historic Walnford, along with anyone interested in gristmills and milling technology, and anyone looking for free, family-friendly passive recreation with a historical connection, according to Ms. Bent.
”Meaning we offer something to engage everyone from 1 to 101 years old in a lovely rural setting,” Ms. Bent said.
The mill operates for weekend demonstrations April through November. Hours are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the grounds staying open later during the summer months.
The next activity scheduled at Historic Walnford is “Games Galore!” from 1-4 p.m. Sept. 6-7, which will offer games from Graces to croquet and an array of historical activities, both physical and mental, to challenge and entertain all ages and abilities.
The annual “Cornbread Contest” will take place Sunday, Sept. 21 from 1-3 p.m. Anyone can bring their favorite cornbread in a 9-inch-by-13-inch pan, along with their recipe. Prizes will be awarded at 3 p.m. While waiting for the judges to decide the contest, patrons can enjoy the “Corny Joke Contest” at 2 p.m. during which park staff will read family-friendly entries and judge the best jokes by laughter.
Starting Oct. 4, an exhibit of 33 original prints from the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame will be displayed on the second floor of the Waln House. Historic Walnford will host harness racing trainers, owners and drivers during an opening reception for “The Story of Harness Racing by Currier and Ives” from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 5.
The events for horse enthusiasts continue through November with the ability to meet “Indy,” a retired trotter at the site from 1-4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19 and a sleigh and some 19th century accessories on display for a nostalgic photo opportunity from 1-4 p.m. Nov. 8-9 and Nov. 15-16.
For more information about Historic Walnford and its upcoming events, visit monmouthcountyparks.com or call 609-259-6275. Historic Walnford is located at 62 Walnford Road in Allentown.
