FROM STAFF REPORTS

MT LAUREL – The annual Mt Laurel Fall Festival will be held Saturday, Oct. 14 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Now in its 17th year, the festival offers attendees the opportunity to shop a vibrant street fair, savor dishes from the best local food trucks and enjoy a day strolling the neighborhood’s idyllic streets.

The Mt Laurel Fall Festival has something for the whole family, including shopping the many arts and crafts vendors and farmers; watching live music on the Bryson Square Stage sponsored by MortgageBanc; and savoring delicious eats at Mt Laurel restaurants and Birmingham food trucks.

Visitors can browse handcrafted artwork, home décor items, jewelry, and pottery from local artisans, and pick up fresh produce from participating farmers.

In the middle of the Town Center, the Bryson Square Stage will host entertainment for the entire duration of the festival. Special thanks goes to MortgageBanc for sponsoring the expanded entertainment on the Bryson Square stage.

Local Birmingham bands such as Good Fellows Jazz Duo and the Raquel Lily Band will perform. Performances from Mason Music’s talented student Rock Band Leagues bookend the festival.

Also on stage, don’t miss the Canine Costume Contest presented by Lucky Dog Grooming. Residents can show off their furry friend’s favorite costume and enter to win.

Proceeds from the contest benefit the Shelby County Humane Society.

The festival now extends to Mt Laurel’s Olmsted Park & Playground to allow for an expanded Kid’s Park area. Children of all ages can enjoy face painting, inflatables and rides.

The expanded festival area will allow for more arts and crafts vendors to extend along Olmsted Street. From jewelry, art and handcrafted goods to home décor, clothing, soaps and more, every “locally-made enthusiast” will find something to take home.

The season’s best produce will be available from area farmers, with baked bread and candies from mom-and-pop shops and homegrown bakeries.

Mt Laurel’s newest collaboration with Southern Living, the Southern Living Inspired Home will debut at the Mt Laurel Fall Festival. This gorgeous home features a quintessentially Southern wrap-around front porch and craftsman style attention to detail inside.

To celebrate the opening of Birmingham’s first Southern Living Inspired Home, Kathryn Lott from Southern Living will host cooking demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the home’s gorgeous kitchen.

From just past the Kid’s Park at the corner of Olmsted Street and Abbot Square, festival goers can hop on the golf cart shuttle, sponsored by Smitty’s Truck and Golf Carts, for a fun ride to the Southern Living Inspired Home.

Tickets to enter the home are $10 and can be bought at the door. All proceeds benefit the Friends of the Mt Laurel Library.

For more information, visit MtLaurel.com.