KENNETT SQUARE, PA — Kennett Square, famously known as the Mushroom Capital of the World, will kick off the 40th Anniversary of the Mushroom Festival with a brand-new feature, The Mushroom Parade, on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 6 p.m. The parade, organized by Kennett Collaborative and funded by the Mushroom Festival, will march through South Broad Street before turning west onto State Street, tracing the same beloved path as the town’s Holiday Light Parade.
“The Mushroom Festival is one of the most important events for Kennett Square’s economy—but it’s so much more than a weekend celebration,” said Daniel Embree, Executive Director of Kennett Collaborative. “Year after year, the Festival supports local nonprofits with generous grants that strengthen our entire community year round—including Kennett Collaborative, Kennett Area Community Services, Family Promise of Southern Chester County, local fire companies, and so many others.”
Gina Puoci, President of the Mushroom Festival’s Board of Directors, praised the collaborative efforts, saying, “We knew we wanted to do something special to start our 40th anniversary celebration—and we thought, who better to bring that energy than Kennett Collaborative? They already organize the Memorial Day and Holiday Light Parades, so we were thrilled when they said yes to taking this on.”
The Mushroom Festival not only highlights the region’s proud agricultural heritage but also drives significant local economic impact. Kennett Square produces over a million pounds of mushrooms weekly, cementing its role as a national leader in the mushroom industry. The festival’s nonprofit grants further support organizations such as local fire companies, Kennett Area Community Services, and Family Promise of Southern Chester County.
The weekend festivities extend far beyond the parade. On Friday, visitors can explore Longwood Gardens or the town’s acclaimed shops and restaurants. The main event runs on Saturday, September 6, and Sunday, September 7, promising guests the biggest Mushroom Festival yet. This year’s theme, “Harvesting 40 Years Together,” reflects the enduring community spirit and pride that define Kennett Square.
Spectators and participants alike are encouraged to join in the fun. Unique parade entries, including floats, musical groups, and whimsical mushroom-themed creations, are welcome, with applications due by Friday, August 22, at mushroomparade.org.
For a celebratory weekend of artistry, agriculture, and small-town charm, Kennett Square offers an unmissable lineup honoring four decades of its iconic Mushroom Festival.
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