37th Annual Friends Fall Festival Offers Fun and More For the Entire Family
Downingtown Friends Meeting will hold its annual Friends Fall Festival on Saturday, October 12, 2013 from 9 A.M. to 4 P.M. on the historic grounds of Downingtown Friends Meeting, East Lancaster Avenue (Business Rt. 30, just west of Wegman’s) in Downingtown. Families have gathered here for years to enjoy a full day of music, delicious foods, a variety of activities for children, as well as plant, craft and white elephant sales, and a spectacular silent auction.
Gardeners and book lovers alike will experience a special treat this year. Internationally-known horticulturist David L. Culp will be present to sign his new book, The Layered Garden: Design Lessons for Year-Round Beauty from Brandywine Cottage. Gardeners will also be able to shop for unique perennials at an expanded plant sale at “The Greenery at the Grapevine,” which also offers a convenient car pick-up station for plant buyers.
Bargain shoppers are in for a treat at “The Friends Mercantile” a not-to-be-missed stop for serious shoppers, offering a wide assortment of new and slightly used items, as well as books and antiques. To get the best selection, shoppers should arrive promptly at 9 A.M. in the Schoolhouse next to the Friends Meeting House, so they can shop rain or shine. Adjacent to the Mercantile, shoppers can enjoy tantalizing homemade baked goods and breads at “The Friendly Cafe.” Outside, in our Craft Village, vendors display their finely crafted wares. Shoppers can also browse the “Silent Auction,” which in the past has included artwork, electronics, gift baskets, vacations, furniture, antiques, services and gift cards from local businesses. Children can spend the day making exciting seasonal crafts, decorating pumpkins, creating spin art, and playing a variety of challenging and fun games, including Quaker Mini Golf. Our artistic face painting, available for both children and adults, is second to none.
Visitors can enjoy six hours of live folk, rock and Colonial-era music while feasting on hearty vegetable soup, homemade vegetarian chili, savory macaroni and cheese, juicy grilled hot dogs and vegetarian burgers with all the trimmings, funnel cake, soft pretzels, paired with hot apple cider or a variety of hot and cold drinks, beginning at 10 A.M. outside at “The Wooden Ladle.”
History buffs will want to tour the Meeting House to see an exhibit of antique Quaker clothing and memorabilia. Meeting members will be on hand to answer any questions. At 1:30 P.M. visitors are invited to the authentic re-enactment of the first wedding held in Downingtown’s Meeting House in 1806, and photographs with the bride and groom and wedding party are welcome. Downingtown Friends continues to use this building for active worship weekly, and visitors are welcome.
For more information: downingtownfriendsmeeting.org/fallfestival.htm
Location: 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown, PA 19335
This event is appropriate for: the whole family
Cost: free
