SHAWN SULLIVAN/Courier-Post Michael Shapiro,5, of Moorestown (left), his mother Robin, and his sister Nicole, 8, are collecting old jeans and shirts that will be used to make scarecrows at the autumn festival.

By TERESA ANICOLA
Courier-Post staff

MOORESTOWN -- At this time of year, residents have the township's annual fall festival to look forward to.

Township organizations are gearing up now for Autumn in Moorestown '01 and its crafts, car show and family fun. It draws between 10,000 and 15,000 people annually.

"It's been absolutely wonderful to watch it grow and see folks here and having a good time. It's what small towns are all about," said Bill Newborg, coordinator of the event.

The autumn festival enters its seventh year on Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., along Main Street, which will be closed to traffic.

It features food, live entertainment and more than 80 booths of fine arts and crafts, such as paintings and fiber art, jewelry and handmade furniture, Newborg said.

Crafts for the whole family include pumpkin painting and the ever-popular making of scarecrows. For auto enthusiasts, hundreds of antique and classic cars will line Main Street in an annual judged car show.

The festival is sponsored by the Moorestown Business Association with proceeds benefiting the Junior Women's Club of Moorestown, said Newborg, who serves as vice president for the business association. Also, a grant from Farmers and Mechanics Bank, Main Street branch office, will pay for a promotional postcard to be sent to 44,000 area homes, Newborg said.

According to Susan Acker, president of the Junior Women's Club, many families come to make scarecrows which they will decorate their homes with.

Approximately 700 were made outside the Community Center last year and about $7,000 was raised.

For $10, patrons can pick from piles of jeans, flannel shirts, straw and twine. Volunteers will be on hand to help people finish up their Halloween decoration.

``It's a nice day and really fun to see all those people out there. Some bring wagons and carry the scarecrows in the back,'' said Acker, 38.

"On Sunday morning you see the scarecrows everywhere in town. It's really neat and the kids have a great time."

The Junior Women's Club gives the money it receives to other charitable causes, such as the Moorestown Emergency First Aid Squad, the Food Bank in Camden and the township library.

Family Services of Burlington County and Lazarus at the Gate.

This year, the club will also make a donation to the town's public library, said Acker.

"It depends on the needs each year. We take a vote and divide it up on immediate needs," said Acker, noting the club's operating expenses come from members' dues. "We also keep an emergency fund in reserve for families in need."

This will be the fifth year that a car show has been held in conjunction with the festival.

Among the cars will be autos ranging from antique and classic cars to customized, muscle cars. Moorestown's show can accommodate 200 cars, organizers said.

Car show entries are organized by the Lakes Corvette Club, based in Medford Lakes, and they are amajor draw for the festival, said Mike Foley, 48, a member of the club. The auto show will have six divisions and winners will receive 12 inch to 16 inch silver cups on marble bases.

"The trophies are gorgeous, really something to display," said Foley, chairperson for the show. "This is show season and people love this show.''

It's spread through word of mouth."

Foley said members of the Lakes Corvette Club host three or four competitions annually and do not compete in their own shows.

"This festival works well for us," said Foley. "A lot of women are not into car shows and it's a good mix with crafts, restaurants and family things and the guys can look at these great cars. This is our crown jewel, the best show of the year."