MULLICA HILL – On May 18, once again the Harrison Township Historical Society celebrates the anniversary of the first air shipment of fresh produce in the United States with more chefs, exhibits and family fun. This historic flight took place on May 17, 1922 when 1,000 lbs. of fresh Gloucester County asparagus was flown from Mullica Hill to Boston.
The 2024 Battle of the Chefs will see Marino’s of Mullica Hill defending their win last year against Blueplate, David and Sons 322 BBQ, Harrison House, and Naples at the Warehouse. Reigning champion, The Cake Boutique, goes up against Amici Mullica Hill, The Artisan Marshmallow, and La Mademoiselle Macaron in the dessert round.
With asparagus supplied by Mullica Hill’s Grasso Girls Farm Market, this will be a true farm-to-table match-up. New this year, a panel of guest judges – Action News 6 meteorologist Karen Rogers joins food bloggers, Marilyn Johnson (southjerseyfoodscene.com) and P.J. Johnson (travelingtastebuds.org). They will add their votes to the publics to pick this year’s winners.
Also new this year, The Roughwood Center for Heritage Seedways from Devon, PA will have heirloom seeds (just in time for Spring planting), books and seed jewelry for purchase. Commemorative tee-shirts, family activities, special exhibits, a vintage cookbook sale and, of course, fresh asparagus from Heilig Orchards, Richwood will be available. The museum will be open featuring a new exhibition, Last Call: Taverns and Temperance, which explores the colorful history of historic taverns, the temperance movement, prohibition and bootleg stills, distilleries and wineries, as well as Living Off the Land: Food, Farms and Families.
The festival opens at 11:30 a.m. and continues through 3 p.m. on Saturday, May18. Tickets for the Battle of the Chefs Tasting event are $20 (children 12 and under are free) and can be purchased online at HarrisonHistorical.com.
Information is available at 856-478-4949 or hthsmhnj@gmail.com. Secure your seat at the table. History never tasted so good.
