Residents take seats at the Al Fresco Affair food truck festival at Croft Farms. Ten vendors provided food from lemonade to lobster.
The township wrapped up its summer season on Aug. 28 with an Al Fresco Affair food truck festival at Croft Farms that drew about 500 people.
The event included community groups, local businesses, residents and township officials who enjoyed food from 10 vendors selling everything from popsicles and spring rolls, lemonade to lobster. Attendees over 21 also had access to a beer garden.
Live music was provided by music duo Aaron Hehl and John Dutton, who both played acoustic guitar and sang a mix of cover songs and original works.
Tables and chairs were set up in the middle of the Croft Farm lawn, so festival guests could eat comfortably and listen to the music. Others opted to bring their own camping chairs or blankets.
Township, county and state leaders also made appearances, some mingling with constituents and eating ice pops.
“I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of good stuff to eat, that’s for sure,” said Councilman Daniel DiRenzo Jr. “It’s very nice running into all these people on a social side of things. You feel comfortable.
“That’s what Croft Farms does, it makes you feel comfortable.”
Mayor Dave Fleisher was also on hand and took the stage to address the community.
“We are seeing record-breaking attendance at all of our events here,” he noted, “and we’re thrilled that you are supporting it and thrilled it has been a terrific summer coming together, (with) lots more in the fall.”
“It’s been a wonderful event,” Councilwoman Jill Hulnick observed of the festival. “We have hundreds of people out here, and we’re glad that Cherry Hill can come out and celebrate as a community.”
Congressman Donald Norcross also made an appearance, walking the grounds before speaking to the crowd.
“It’s great to see everybody out …” he said. “I enjoy what Cherry Hill does for a sense of community. This is what makes Cherry Hill great … It’s like a great neighborhood. We lived here for 10 years, and my kids started school here. It’s a great place to raise a family.
“So let’s give it up for Cherry Hill.”
