Kennett Square Mushroom Festival Named to USA TODAY List of Best Food Festivals

USA TODAY has honored the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival as one of the 10 Best Specialty Food Festivals in the United States. The festival claimed the No. 6 spot on the list.

Here's what USA TODAY editors had to say about this dynamic festival celebrating the edible fungus:

“Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, is known as the mushroom capital of the world, and the Kennett Square Mushroom Festival is a fungi-filled event that celebrates the region's rich mushroom growing heritage,” USA TODAY editors said. “With dishes like mushroom risotto, stuffed mushrooms, and mushroom soup, attendees can savor the earthy flavors of this versatile ingredient.”

USA TODAY further notes that visitors can purchase various types of mushrooms at the festival and explore mushroom growing exhibits and mushroom cooking demonstrations.

“We're humbled and honored to be recognized,” Mushroom Festival president Gina Puoci told NBC10 News Philadelphia. “But what makes the designation even more special is that we were voted by the public.”

The 40th annual Mushroom Festival will take place Sept. 6 and 7 in the heart of downtown Kennett Square. Tickets are $5 per person. Organizers also note that this year, as in past years, the festival will give back to support local nonprofits. It has donated more than $1.4 million during the last four decades.