Mushroom Festival celebrates 22 years.

The 22nd Annual Mushroom Festival opened with the dedication of the borough water tower, which was painted this summer to proclaim Kennett Square as the "Mushroom Capital of the World." More than 100,000 mushroom fans enjoyed unique mushroom-related activities including bobbing for mushrooms, mushroom ice cream tasting and mushroom judging contests. A hometown parade featured classic cars, marching bands and various community organizations and clubs.

Some highlights of this year's three-day event included cooking demonstrations with Chefs Ilan Hall, winner of Bravo's Top Chef, Season 2, and Miguel Morales, from Top Chef, Season 1. The Mushroom Council's MushROOM, a large, inflatable display made its debut this year in the center of town. Cooking demonstrations by Maryland cookbook author Kerry Dunnington and cooking competitions to determine the best mushroom soup recipe were popular attractions. The mushroom growing exhibition, tours to area farms and the street fair attracted large crowds from across the state and surrounding areas.

The Mushroom Festival is a volunteer-run event whose proceeds are distributed to charities and organizations benefiting the residents of the local community. Funds from the Festival also support the National Prostate Cancer Coalition and Easter Seals of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

Kathi Lafferty, Festival Coordinator and owner of The Mushroom Cap said the Festival is made possible by the generous financial support of our mushroom industry, other local businesses and organizations, a grant from the Chester County Conference and Visitors Bureau and the Chester County Hospital. "Thanks to all for making this our best year yet," she said.

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