Terhune Orchards Firefly Festival Sparks a Love for Nature
Sunday, June 24, 4-9 p.m.
People of all ages have glowing memories of chasing fireflies on a warm summer night. If you’ve never done it yourself, let Terhune Orchards introduce you to this timeless summer fun at its annual Firefly Festival. On Sunday June 24, visitors will be treated to an electrifying afternoon and evening from 4-9 p.m. Admission to Firefly Festival is free.
The farm is kept open late into the evening after dark, just once a year for this special occasion. Fireflies are smart - they sleep until it is dark so they can be seen by their mates when they light up. Bring a blanket and lay down in the grass to watch their yellow glow blink in the twilight.
Firefly Festival is a fun filled event for the whole family. Children can dress up as fireflies after painting wings and making antennas in the craft area. They can also decorate bug boxes toe use to catch a firefly as the sun goes down. Just remember to always catch and release our flying friends.
During the afternoon Miss Amy and the Big Kids Band will get the crowd up dancing, playing instruments and having fun while we wait for the bugs to start their blinking. Circus Place, New Jersey’s premier circus training facility will showcase their Youth Circus Performance Troupe at Firefly Festival. Watch their students perform aerials, acrobatics and juggle. Visitors can also participate in interactive workshops and learn to juggle, spin a plate, balance feathers, and walk a tight wire.
Did you know fireflies are actually beetles? These insects use their bioluminescence as a way to communicate with each other. Look out for their signaling while you are on a pony ride or a free wagon ride. Fireflies are mostly found along the edges of forests, wooded yard areas, and near streams or ponds. Terhune Orchards goes to great lengths to cultivate habitats for beneficial insects like bees, butterflies and fireflies on it 200 acres of preserved farmlands. Look for them along the Farm Trail.
Don’t let hunger bug you. While waiting for nature’s show have an old-fashioned farm supper at Pam’s Food Tent. The grill will be cooking up everyone’s summer favorites- hot dogs, barbecued chicken, corn on the cob along with salads and gazpacho. Apples, pies, donuts and other freshly baked treats will be available for dessert, too. The winery tasting room will stay open late for flights of wine tastings.
Admission and parking is free. Craft activities are $5. For more information call 609-924-2310 or visit www.terhuneorchards.com
Terhune Orchards is located at 330 Cold Soil Rd., Princeton.