PHOTO UPDATE: Dazzling Day Draws Throng to Middle’s Harvest Fest

COURT HOUSE — Mother Nature and the weather prognosticator were kind to Middle Township Oct. 20 for the municipality’s gala Old Tyme Harvest Festival.
Crowds converged on Mechanic Street to test drive new Fords, feast on seafood and adore costumed children, meet old friends.
Hay rides on North Boyd Street were taken from morning through the afternoon into an alley of trees that were changing colors
The municipal parking lot was turned into a food court, amusement ride center and entertainment staging area.
Cub Scouts from Pack 65, selling popcorn to raise funds, spent some of their morning painting pumpkins. Among those at the booth were Andrew Nelson, Vincent Weiner, Mason Lewis, Trevor Markee and Joseph Campbell.
According to Jamie Lund, the scouts and pack would appreciate donations and are taking orders for popcorn at 435-8239, for those who missed the opportunity at the festival.
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Meanwhile, Lily Pulaski, 6, of Rio Grande was busy painting her pumpkin in pastel shades under the blue sky.
Beekeeper Mike McGurk was busy answering questions for Jersey Cape Beekeepers. He said classes will again be given in February and March for those who would like to join the ranks of beekeepers in Cape May County. McGurk said the group has already “graduated” about 250 into its ranks, and turns out about 50 new members annually.
Steps away from the busy bees were members of the Marine Corps Reserve selling cupcakes and other goodies, all with the intent to raise interest and awareness of the upcoming Toys for Tots campaign. Among those attired in crisp uniforms was Peggy Zemaitaitis, Mabel Schaeffer, David Burton and Pete Hulmes.
Burton, coordinator of the Toys for Tots drive said the unit aided over 2,500 Cape May County children last year, and hopes to do as much or more this season. Boxes for those unwrapped toys should be in place throughout the county by Veterans Day (Nov. 11) said Burton. He hopes many will help to fill those boxes to help the children of this area.
Members of Middle Township Community Emergency Response Team (C.E.R.T.) were present to explain how they are prepared to assist in any local or county emergency. Members were Nancy Roop, Herb Siefken, Middle Township C.E.R.T. manager, Mike Hajek, Pete Jespersen and Pat Poley.
Bernie Blanks watched over the booth of the Concerned Citizens of Whitesboro, Inc., which had pumpkins ready for decoration.
Up and down Mechanic Street, vendors with a wide variety of merchandise answered questions from potential customers.