Free Canoe, Kayak Rentals Highlight Fall Float Festival In Burlington County

Burlington County’s annual Fall Float Festival returns to Historic Smithville Park in Eastampton this weekend. The event will feature live entertainment, food, games, and free canoes and kayaks to paddle the scenic 4-mile Rancocas Creek. It takes place on Sunday, Oct. 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The free canoe and kayak rentals will be available from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., on a first-come, first-served basis. The canoes and kayaks will launch from Historic Smithville Park, shuttle buses will await at Mill Dam Park in Mount Holly to return you to Smithville Park.

Registration is required to canoe or kayak. Every participant must sign a release waiver and children under 18 years of age must have a parent or guardian sign on their behalf. For safety reasons, each canoe must have one adult (18 years of age or older); maximum four people per canoe. Children too small to wear a personal flotation device will not be permitted to canoe. Canoeing is also available on Smithville Lake.

Interested paddlers can pre-register online this year. They can complete the registration form and check-in at the registration table on Oct. 15.

To register, visit https://burlingtoncountynj.wufoo.com/forms/z1p52vo21xl0372/.

Visitors will find much more to do than just paddle the Rancocas Creek. Other activities will include free hayrides, pumpkin picking for children 12 years and under, face painting, games and more.

Smithville’s free galleries and museums will also be open throughout the event. Visitors at the Smithville Mansion Annex Gallery can view the 41st annual Juried Art Exhibit, featuring 106 works of art by 59 talented artists from the region.

Visitors can also explore the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, which offers a visual representation of the Underground Railroad experience in the county, state and country.

Tours of Smithville Mansion will be available for a small fee from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Proceeds benefit the Friends of the Mansion at Smithville, a non-profit group dedicated to preserving, restoring, and furnishing Smithville Mansion.

“This annual event draws hundreds of residents from all across the county to view the picturesque fall foliage in Historic Smithville Park,” Burlington County Freeholder Linda Hughes, liaison to the Resource Conservation Department, said. “Residents of all ages will find something to enjoy. I encourage everyone to come out and take part in this great county event and all of the free activities offered.”

The rain date is Sunday, Oct. 22. Historic Smithville Park is located at 803 Smithville Road in Eastampton. Parking and admission to the Fall Float Festival are free.

For more information, call 609-265-5858 or visit www.co.burlington.nj.us/parks.

Patch file photo