The 31st annual Lima Bean Festival will be held Saturday, October 8 at Wilbraham Park in West Cape May from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. “This annual event features and celebrates the lima bean, which was a major crop in West Cape May,” said Mayor Pam Kaithern. “Thirty-one years and going strong, and we are so happy to keep the tradition alive,” continued Kaithern.
The festival includes vendors selling lima bean infused delicacies, lima bean pottery, lima bean jewelry and lima bean commemorative clothing and hats.
“The festival reaches beyond just Wilbraham Park, as area restaurants are getting into the spirit,” said Chris Monge of Bella Vida Café in West Cape May. “We are offering special menu items, all with lima-infused food dishes. Last year our lima-infused dinners and omelettes were a big hit,” continued Monge.
“We are offering some specialty versions of our empanadas this year,” said Brooke Dodds of Empanada Mama’s in West Cape May. “One of our four versions will be a sweet option called Sweet Lima Pie, and we will have some savory options as well,” continued Dodds.
Kids’ events and contests will include the drawing for Lima King and Lima Queen as part of the festival, and the chosen King and Queen when crowned with the title will be featured in the borough’s annual Christmas Parade. Live entertainment will be happening throughout the day, and the event is free.
The Lima Bean Festival is held to maintain Wilbraham Park and is operated by The Shade Tree Commission of West Cape May. For more information, visit the Facebook page “Friends of Wilbraham Park.” Wilbraham Park is located at Broadway and Sunset Boulevard. In case of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, October 9.