Downingtown Friends Meeting, 800 E. Lancaster Ave., Downingtown, will host its annual Friends Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event has been an autumn tradition in the Downingtown community for more than 45 years. The event will take place rain or shine.

Thrifting will be available, featuring home goods, furniture, decor and more. Additionally, local vendors will sell handmade craft goods, including clothing made from hand-spun yarn, artisan glass and decor, jewelry and pottery. Local services provided by community members will be up for bids in a silent auction.

Homemade food will be available, including vegan vegetable chili, soup, gourmet macaroni and cheese, beef soup and many baked goods, such as cakes, cookies, breads, pies, cupcakes and fudge, with gluten-free options offered. Hot apple cider and coffee will also be available.

Visitors may visit puppies at the LaMancha Rescue booth, receive a mini massage and listen to live music featuring local bands and an Elvis tribute concert by Jeff Krick. Local nonprofit Petals Please will lead a flower arranging workshop at noon. Kids can participate in a hayride, pumpkin decorating, snack-making, giant Jenga, coloring and select events and games. Attendees may also learn about Quakers and their history in the area.

This year's festival will also feature Downingtown grassroots organization Restore Our Roots. In addition to a forager-inspired cookbook, the group will offer tours of the Hershey Trees, which represent a botanical legacy unique to Downingtown.

Admission and parking are free, and kids' activities will be available by donation. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to local community organizations.

For more information and the schedule of events for the day, visit http://www.downingtownfriendsmeeting.org. Information is also available by visiting http://www.facebook.com/downingtownfriendsmeeting, calling 610-269-4223 or emailing dfmfest@gmail.com.