FROM STAFF REPORTS

MT LAUREL—After months of cabin fever, who isn’t eager for beautiful springtime weather? The Mt Laurel Spring Festival is returning April 9, and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., visitors can soak up the sunlight, savor dishes from the best local food trucks and enjoy a day strolling the streets of the town.

This year, in celebration of Mt Laurel’s Southern Living Inspired Community designation and the upcoming 2016 Idea House, the festival has grown to include food demonstrations and live music.

Southern Living Senior Editor Lisa Cericola will offer food demonstrations on the Bryson Square stage at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Cericola currently develops recipes and content for the Southern Living magazine and website. Before that, she worked as a features editor at Food Network Magazine and a food editor at iVillage.com

Local musician Raquel Lily will take the stage at noon. A frequent performer at Workplay and Iron City, Lily’s infectious sound and influence from pop, rock and jazz have made her popular with Birmingham audiences.

Birmingham food trucks Off the Hood, Cantina on Wheels and Jim ‘N Nicks Bar-B-Que will be present, offering delicious dishes to keep in hand while strolling the streets.

Booths will be set up throughout town featuring local farmers and craft vendors. From jewelry, art and handcrafted goods to home decor, clothing, soaps and more, every “locally-made lover” will find something to take home. The season’s best produce will be available from area farmers, along with baked bread and candies from mom-and-pop shops and homegrown bakeries.

In the children’s park, kids of every age will be delighted by attractions including inflatables, hayrides, face painting and a petting zoo.

Guests also can’t miss the Cherry Laurel model home, located at 110 Burnham Street. Beautifully decorated by designer Kay Green, the showcase home is one of many new Mt Laurel home plans.

Admission to the festival is free, and the event will be held rain or shine. For more information, go to Mtlaurel.com.