Among the attractions at Burlington County’s May Faire will be a display of vintage bicycles from the Victorian era by the New Jersey Wheelmen.
Burlington County’s Historic Smithville Park will become a Neverland of family fun and adventure during this year’s May Faire on Sunday, May 18, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. A ceremony commemorating the county’s 1975 acquisition and preservation of Smithville will be held at 2 p.m.
The annual spring festival celebrates the 50th anniversary of Burlington County’s acquisition of the historic Smithville, a once thriving Victorian industrial town along the Rancocas Creek that the county remade into its first park.
The festival will also feature a special Peter Pan theme in honor of the classic James Barrie tale of an ageless boy and his adventures in the fantasy land called Neverland.
“Burlington County residents cherish both our county’s history and natural environment, and Smithville offers a unique blend of both,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, liaison to the Burlington County Department of Resource Conservation and Parks. “We’re excited to celebrate Smithville’s history and the County’s decision to preserve and restore this special place, and May Faire is the perfect occasion to do it.”
Smithville was originally known as Shreveville before Hezekiah B. Smith purchased it in 1865 and transformed the sleepy village into a thriving industrial town responsible for manufacturing cutting-edge woodworking machines, the famed American Star Bicycle and even the world’s first bicycle railroad.
Burlington County bought the village, Smith’s mansion and what remained of the H.B. Smith Machine Company factory in 1975 for just over $595,000. The property was preserved as Burlington County’s first county park. Fifty years later it remains the crown jewel of the Burlington County Park System.
In addition to celebrating the park’s history, May Faire will feature fantasy fun and entertainment for all ages, including theatrical performances of Peter Pan, and opportunities to meet and interact with some of the story’s most beloved characters, including Peter, Tinker Bell, the Lost Boys and Captain Hook and his band of Pirates.
There will also be a screening of the 1924 silent film “Peter Pan,” plus magic shows, face painting, a fairy hunt, historic arts and crafts demonstrations, live music, horse and carriage rides, a beer garden and much more.
The event is organized by the Burlington County Parks System with the support of the New Jersey Arts Council.
