 September/October 2001 (XXXIX 4) |
Downingtown October 13
aughing children, flea market madness, great home cooking, an old-fashioned Quaker wedding — must be Friends Fall Festival time again at Downingtown Meeting, East Lancaster Avenue (Business Route 30) in Downingtown, Pennsylvania. The festival is Saturday, October 13, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
This year marks a special milestone — the 25th anniversary of the venerable festival, which draws crowds from throughout southeastern Pennsylvania to the historic Downingtown Meeting grounds. As always, many festival-goers will bee-line straight for The Friends Mercantile, one of the largest white elephant/flea markets in the region with thousands of items — including a library's worth of books — for sale at unbelievably low prices. (In past years, the Mercantile's opening stampede has resembled the Oklahoma Land Rush.)
The Wooden Spoon will be offering Vegetarian Chili and its by-now famous (locally at least) Joanna Reed's Fall Festival Vegetable Soup. Of course, count on grilled hot dogs, too. The Friendly Cafe will be open bright and early on Festival morning, serving the best in homemade baked goods, fresh coffee and tea for those who want to get an early start.
Outside, dozens of local crafts vendors will be selling everything from home-made soap to candles, calico toaster tops and folk craft items. New this year will be a community section in front of the Schoolhouse. Among other groups, a local fire company and the Red Cross will be there with a vehicle display, and the Visiting Nurses Association will offer free blood pressure checks and first aid.
And it's hardly a Fall Festival without the re-enactment of an old-fashioned Quaker Wedding. This year's wedding is at 1:30 p.m. Prior to the wedding, beginning at 1:00 p.m., the bride and groom and guests will be happily available for photos.
There will be various musical performances, a strolling juggler and an accordion player, plus a wealth of activities for children, including face-painting and a play created just for kids by kids.
All this, and admission and parking are free. What a Friendly way to see Quakerism in action while having a great day.
Fawn Vrazo
Downingtown Meeting (PA)Buckingham October 6
Quaker Peace Fair will be held Saturday, October 6, on the grounds of Buckingham Meeting and Buckingham Friends School in Lahaska, Pennsylvania. The fair celebrates nonviolence through art, poetry, family entertainment and exhibits by organizations that promote a harmonious world. Proceeds benefit the Peace Center.
Musical performers will include Peter and Annie Blood-Patterson of Middletown Meeting (Concord Quarter, PA) and the Faith and Practice band of Doylestown Meeting (PA). There will be a clown, storyteller, juggler and magician. Participate in non-competitive games and a human-powered railroad. See exhibits about promoting harmony, avoiding violence and preserving wildlife and the environment. Yoga, meditation and massage will be demonstrated.
Bucks County artists will exhibit works of art representing a vision of peace or addressing humanitarian and human rights issues. Well known area poets will give readings.
Fair admission is free. Food will be sold, including chicken barbecue, vegetarian fare and baked goods. The fair will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine, Saturday, October 6, at Buckingham Meeting, located where Route 202 and 263 intersect just south of Peddler's Village.
For more information, see the website www.geocities.com/quakerpeacefair/, call 215-766-7887 or e-mail tcunni01@yahoo.com.
Wilmington October 6
ilmington Meeting's 66th consecutive Friends Fall Festival will be Saturday, October 6, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the meetinghouse at Fourth and West streets in Wilmington, Delaware. Activities include silent auction, book sale, bake sale, sewing table, flea market, Quaker quilts, children's activities, children's art show, musical entertainment, and exhibits by not-for-profit organizations. Lunch is available. Admission is free. For information, call the Meeting at 302-652-4491.
Mullica Hill October 20
riends School Mullica Hill is having its third annual Fall Arts Festival on Saturday, October 20. The festival is a juried fine art and fine craft show produced by the school's Parent Association. It will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine on the school campus at 15 High Street, Mullica Hill, New Jersey. In addition to fine arts and crafts the festival will include children's art and activities, great food, and musical performances by the Friends Fine and Performing Arts School. All are invited; there is no entrance fee.
Our goal is to create a show that reflects the values of our school, including diversity, respect, and excellence. Our show is an exhibitor-friendly, professionally run event. This year our jury panel will be headed by Kimberly Camp, Executive Director and CEO of the Barnes Foundation.
For more information call the school at (856) 478-2908.
Debra Prieto, parent
Friends School Mullica Hill (NJ)
Last modified: Wednesday, February 18, 2004 at 08:18 AM