It’s hard to imagine how they can pack so much into just one weekend.

For two days the midway at Cumberland County Fairgrounds is lined with more than 150 artisans and crafts people who exhibit their handcrafted art, jewelry, wood carvings, pottery and other creations. It’s a great place to get a head start on your holiday shopping . . . and with the shopping bags they give you at the main entrance, it will be easy to carry around your treasures.

Entertainment rocks all day long on several stages with more than 15 bands playing everything from rock to country to bluegrass to folk to jazz. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and settle back for non-stop entertainment.

Known for its many contests, the 2008 South Jersey Pumpkin Show doesn’t disappoint. There is the All Breed Dog Parade and contest. Scarecrows Galore contest. Pumpkin Dessert Baking Contest. Little Miss Pumpkin contest. And, of course, the Biggest Pumpkin contest. But in case you miss it, all the entries will be on display throughout the festival.

As for the food, well, this is not the time to worry about calories. There is so much to choose from even the most determined dieter will weaken once they get a whiff of the funnel cake, barbecues, popcorn, pumpkin pie, mini-donuts, seafood, Polish and Greek specialties, fresh fruit and other goodies on sale. Treat yourself and then gather the family around one of the picnic tables set up for the event and get everybody talking about their favorite activity.

Homeowners can spend hours wandering around the Home Expo area. More than a hundred vendors display just about everything you need to tackle your next home improvement project. And if you aren’t quite sure how to do it, the workshops and demonstrations will give you a head start.

Of course there are lots of other activities, too. The kids will love the inflatable climb-ons, face-painting and other things that are meant just for them.