Festival to aid families after Ida

Kids activities free this year at Friends Fall Festival

DOWNINGTOWN » The annual Friends Fall Festival at Downingtown Quaker Meeting that was not held last year because of the COVID-19 pandemic will return Saturday, with the aim of raising money to donate to the local efforts to rebuild the Downingtown community affected by Hurricane Ida.

Held on the historical property and Quaker Meetinghouse on East Lancaster Avenue, the event has become an autumnal tradition for all ages within the wider community, complete with family fun, quality shopping, live entertainment, kid-friendly activities and homemade food.

As well as devoting some of the proceeds from the event to the rebuilding efforts, the organizers will insure that attendees will be able to donate directly to this effort at collection areas designated to the Lord’s Pantry.

For the first time, children’s activities at the popular Kids’ Corner will be free to help alleviate the many challenges faced by Downingtown families. Kids can participate in youthfriendly fun with a hayride, pumpkin decorating, snackmaking, giant Jenga, coloring, and select events and games.

In addition to quality thrifting at low costs — think lightly used home goods, furniture, décor and houseplants — visitors can peruse the variety of local vendors selling handmade and craft artisan goods, like jewelry, dried flower arrangements, lotions, dog collars, pottery and more.

This year’s festival will feature Downingtown grassroots organization Restore our Roots, as they celebrate the 100-year legacy of agricultural pioneer and Quaker John Hershey and the unique fruit and nut trees he planted in the borough. In addition to a forager-inspired cookbook, the group will offer educational tours of these trees, an incredible piece of local botanical history.

When it comes to food, visitors can warm up with some homemade vegan vegetable chili or beef soup and a hot cup of apple cider. Homemade breads, cookies, cakes, cupcakes, fudge, pumpkin spice lattes and other sweet treats with gluten-free options will also be available.

And all ages can enjoy the live entertainment, which includes music performances from local artists and bands, including Moondawgs and Jeff and the Fraction.

This event is free admission with free parking, and it’s rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, go to www. downingtownfriendsmeeting.org. COVID safety precautions will be in place to ensure visitors will be as safe as possible.

Established in 1806 and located at 800 East Lancaster Avenue, Downingtown Friends Meeting offers a welcome to people of any age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status or family structure, economic or social status, emotional, mental or physical ability, educational level or faith background.

Members and attendees of Downingtown Friends Meeting hold Sunday services at 10:30 a.m. at their Quaker Meetinghouse, where they settle into traditional, silent Quaker worship.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Kids activities at the Friends Fall Festival.