It was quite a fun time when Mary Bigham of PA Eats recently chatted with Mushroom Festival‘s Board President, Mike Pia Jr., about this year’s big event. The mushroom extraordinaire was eager to share some of his favorite aspects of the annual affair. Whether you’ve been attending for years or you’re looking forward to a first time visit in 2012, Mike’s generous input applies to all Mushroom Festival attendees. Be sure to hit up his suggested spots and make a few new favorites of your own. There is plenty to explore!
Mary Bigham: Every year, The Mushroom Festival gets bigger and better and there are more diverse things to do. I’m curious what are some of your favorite things to do?
Mike Pia, Jr.: I would say if you’re coming to The Mushroom Festival for the first time, I would highly recommend checking out the Grower’s Exhibit. That is a 2,000 square foot tent that we have set up. We have a number of volunteers and industry professionals, from people who make the mushrooms and growers to owners of the companies and scientific personnel. They’re working in this grower’s exhibit to explain the material that goes into different kinds of growing beds, the labor that goes into growing them and everything else mushroom related.
MB: I agree that it’s a fascinating exhibit, even if you don’t love eating mushrooms, to see how this product is created and see how many different varieties there are. Now, for people who do love eating the mushrooms, what might be a favorite event they could attend?
MP: This year for the first time ever, we do have a National Fried Mushroom Eating Contest. Buona Foods, the exclusive fried mushroom provider at the festival, is donating hundreds of mushrooms and we have a few professional eaters coming in, some semi-professional, local, and amateurs all competing to see who can eat the most mushrooms. The 15 spots for applicants filled up in minutes and the top three will receive cash prizes. Plus, we’re hoping to set a new world record for most fried mushrooms ever eaten.
MB: In addition to that, my favorite element was the Culinary Tent. Last year you had a Master Chef and an Iron Chef. Can you tell us who’s going to be in the Culinary Tent this year?
MP: This year we have Antonia Lofaso. She is a Top Chef All-Stars finalist and author of The Busy Mom’s Cookbook. She’s a fantastic chef for every food advocate. Desserts by Dana will be there as well. They’ve attended the last few years and are always a great addition. Both are in the Culinary Tent on Broad Street.
MB: Another cool thing is the Soup & Wine tent. Can you tell us a little about that?
MP: With the Soup & Wine tent, we invited about a dozen local restaurants and vineyards to come in with different soup varieties. There is an admission that gets you into the tent and that admission also gets you a number of tickets and then you can go around and sample the combinations of soup and wine and vote on your favorite. This year we have Palettes of Double Tree Hilton, Portabello’s, Ole Taps Lounge, Twelves Grill & Cafe, Kennett Square Golf and Country Club, Kennett Square Inn, and The Blue Crab Grill. Paradocx, Twin Brook and Flickerwood are contributing wineries at this point.
MB: So do you just love mushrooms or festivals or both? How did you get involved with this event?
MP: Well, I volunteered for a number of years at the festival but I am technically a fourth generation mushroom grower. My family owns and operates Kaolin Mushroom Farms which is headquartered right in Kennett Square.
MB: What are some family friendly activities that happen at the Mushroom Festival?
MP: As part of the festival, we have an Old Fashioned Carnival that takes place by the Kennett High School from Friday to Sunday at night. There will be a Mushroom Bobbing competition held on Saturday which is similar to bobbing for apples but kids compete to see who can pick up the most. Also, the Mushroom Farm Tours bus take people out to different mushroom farms in the area and an actual mushroom grower will take you through a house to explain the process to you.
MB: Did we cover all your favorites or are there any hidden gems we missed?
MP: I would say we pretty much covered everything but I would like to note that there is a world class juggler that comes and sets up at the kid stage. He’ll be there the entire weekend and that’s definitely a site to see as well.
For more Mushroom Festival information, visit the official website.
