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The opening day of the new season is just days away — five to be exact. Before the colorful leaves start falling from the trees and create a picturesque scene in local green spaces such FDR Park, Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, and Marconi Plaza, 2700 S. Broad St., local groups and residents set the mood by hosting festivals. The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society is returning to The Navy Yard Parade Grounds, 4747 S. Broad St., for Saturday’s Fall Festival taking place rain or shine from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Highlights include the addition of the Franklin Flea, a kids zone, a preview of the 2015 Philadelphia Flower Show, music, food and much more.
Sam Lemheney, PHS’ chief of shows and events, has been busy coordinating all of the details, with the location being key.
“We have a great relationship with the folks at The Navy Yard,” he said of the site where the organization has its warehouse, 5201 S. 13th St. “People are seeing The Navy Yard as the next big thing.”
Fall will be the central theme of Saturday’s festivities. PHS members will get to pick out free plants as part of the origination’s plant dividends program. Believe it or, this is such a popular time of year for growing that two harvest-time contests will be taking place during the earlier part of the day Garden Giants will showcase beautiful, large tomatoes, squash and other veggies while the Garden Bounty will provide entrants the opportunity to create a stunning arrangement of seasonal flowers, vegetables, fruit and herbs.
Shopping — lots of it — will keep patrons extremely busy, as Franklin Flea will feature a curated, upscale collection of more than 50 vendors selling vintage furnishings, upcycled objects, handmade items and gourmet food.
“This year we are really focussing on shopping, eating and end-of-the-season deals,” Lemheney said. “This is a great time to get some end-of-the-season deals.”
Youngsters will be kept busy in the PHS Kids Zone, a space filled with a variety of races, crafts and activities. Some will likely enjoy building race cars out of vegetables — wheels to be provided. Participants will be encouraged to take home their carrot or cucumber vehicles home for future playdays or healthy eating. Those who prefer painting will have the chance to decorate a coming-into-season pumpkin.
The older crowd can step into the beer garden with offerings from Yards Brewing Co. while food will be available to purchase from several different food trucks. The musical entertainment begins at 11 a.m. with Jesse & the Revelator, followed by Greg Davis from 12:45 to 3 p.m. The Independence School of Rock band will perform from 3 to 4 p.m. and all-star acoustic band from 2stock closes things out from 4 to 5 p.m.
The day will not be complete without talking about PHS’ marque event — the ’15 Philadelphia Flower Show. Patrons will get a chance to walk the red carpet and learn about “Lights, Camera, Bloom!”.
Lemheney will have his team is ready to go, including a rain-contigency plan that includes a large supply of plywood.
“Planning is everything,” he said. “We are running a tight schedule. This is a walk in the park compared to The Flower Show.”
For more information, visit PHSonline.org.
Contact the South Philly Review at editor@southphillyreview.com.
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