The Bethel Fall of Hope is a warm, family-friendly community fair rooted in the spirit of giving. Join us for a beautiful autumn afternoon filled with local vendors, delicious food trucks, and the heartfelt mission of supporting children in foster care across our community.
Our mission is to collect and donate 100 filled care backpacks for children in foster care, spanning all age groups from infants to young adults.
Support talented local artisans, craftspeople, and small business owners from our community. Shop handmade goods and unique finds.
Savor the season with mouth-watering bites from our featured food trucks — something for every taste and every appetite.
A welcoming event for all ages — bring the whole family for a fun-filled fall afternoon in the heart of Poughkeepsie.
We'll be set up in the outdoor lot in front of JC Penney at the Poughkeepsie Galleria. Plenty of parking available. Look for the tents and the fall colors!
The Bethel Fall of Hope is brought to life through three Hudson Valley organizations united by a shared commitment — supporting neighbors, strengthening community, and making a real difference for children and families in need.
Three local organizations. One shared goal: show up for our community. Meet the people and organizations behind the Bethel Fall of Hope.
A community pillar in Wappingers Falls, NY
Bethel Missionary Baptist Church has served the Wappingers Falls community for generations. Led by Rev. Dr. Edward L. Hunt, Bethel is deeply rooted in community outreach and neighbors-first service — making them a natural host and organizer for a gathering as meaningful as the Fall of Hope.
Building Relationships. Restoring Hope. Transforming Lives.
Mid-Hudson Love INC connects people in need with local resources, volunteers, and support networks. Through their Connection Center, Gap Ministries, and Relational Programs, they answered over 1,000 calls for help in 2024 — serving hundreds of Hudson Valley households with dignity and care.
Dedicated to families in foster care
Founded in 2013 by local foster parents who wanted to give back, Fostering Hope Together is a non-profit dedicated to supporting families in the foster care system — providing resources, connection, and care to birth families, relative caregivers, and foster families when they need it most. Their work is the inspiration behind our care backpack drive.
We believe every person deserves to feel seen, supported, and celebrated. The Bethel Fall of Hope is the fruit of three organizations choosing to show up together — creating a moment where community becomes action, and hope becomes something you can hold in your hands.— The Bethel Fall of Hope Partnership
Join us this fall — as a vendor, a donor, a volunteer, or simply a neighbor who cares.
Each backpack is thoughtfully filled with age-appropriate essentials for children in foster care. Select an age group below to see what to include.
👆 Click an age group to view suggested backpack contents:
Essential comfort, care, and development items for the littlest ones
Creative, comforting, and school-ready essentials for growing explorers
School supplies, fun, and personal care for curious minds
Personal care, school essentials, and self-expression items for growing teens
Independence-building items and essentials for older teens
Life essentials and resources to support young adults transitioning to independence
Bring a filled backpack (for any age group) to the event, or drop off donations at designated locations. Every single backpack makes a real difference in a child's life.
Items can be new or gently used. Please ensure all items are clean and in good condition.
Join us as a vendor or food truck at the Bethel Fall of Hope! Connect with your community while supporting an incredible cause.
Per 10×10 space. Artisans, crafters, boutiques, services, and non-food sellers.
Per 10×10 space. Food stalls and prepared food booths. Health permit required.
Full food truck space. Certificate of insurance and health permit required.
Register and pay securely through Eventbrite. Select your space type at checkout.
Complete this form to apply for a vendor or food truck spot. All applications are reviewed and confirmed by our team. You'll receive a confirmation email after approval.
Food vendors and food trucks must submit the following. Non-food vendors may skip these fields.
Click to upload Health / Food Permit
PDF, JPG or PNG
Click to upload Certificate of Insurance
PDF, JPG or PNG
Click to upload Vendor Application (Optional)
If you have a separate form
After submission, please complete payment via Eventbrite. Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received.
Please read all rules carefully before applying. All vendors agree to these terms upon registration.
Gates open for vendors to begin setting up their spaces. Please have your confirmation email ready.
All vendors must be fully set up by this time. No further setup after 11 AM.
Event ends at 4:00 PM. Vendors may begin breakdown and teardown at this time.
All vendors must be fully packed and cleared from the lot by 6:00 PM.
All vendors using tents or canopies must have proper weights on each leg of their tent. Weights must be a minimum of 25 lbs per leg. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement to prevent injury to guests or damage in the event of wind. Tents not properly weighted will be asked to take them down.
Vendor setup is from 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM only. All vendors must be fully set up and ready to sell by 11:00 AM sharp. Late arrivals may forfeit their space without refund.
Teardown begins at 4:00 PM and all vendors must be completely cleared by 6:00 PM. Early breakdown before 4:00 PM is not permitted out of respect for guests and fellow vendors.
Each standard space is 10×10 feet. Vendors must keep all display items, signage, and equipment within their designated space. Do not encroach on neighboring spaces or walkways.
All tents must be properly weighted with a minimum of 25 lbs per leg. Stakes may not be used on the parking lot surface. Tent weights are mandatory — no exceptions.
Food vendors and food trucks must submit a valid health/food permit and a certificate of insurance prior to the event. Failure to provide these documents will result in denial of participation without refund.
Vendor fees must be paid in full via Eventbrite to secure your space. Your spot is not confirmed until payment is received. No payment, no spot.
This is a family-friendly event. All products, signage, and conduct must be appropriate for all ages, including young children. The sale of alcohol, cannabis, or cannabis-infused products is strictly prohibited. Any vendor selling prohibited or age-inappropriate items will be removed from the event without refund.
Vendors are responsible for keeping their area clean throughout the event. All trash must be bagged and properly disposed of. Leave your space as you found it.
Electricity is not guaranteed. Vendors requiring power must indicate this in their application and must bring their own extension cords. Availability is limited and first-come, first-served.
All vendors, staff, and attendees are expected to treat one another with kindness and respect. Bethel Fall of Hope reserves the right to remove any vendor or attendee who violates this standard.
Vendor fees are non-refundable. If you need to cancel, please notify us as soon as possible. In the event of a weather cancellation, we will do our best to reschedule.
We encourage all vendors to support our mission! Consider donating a filled care backpack or contributing to our foster care drive. Let's all be part of the giving.
Have a question about the event? Want to get involved? We'd love to hear from you!
Reach out any time with questions about vendors, backpack donations, volunteering, or anything else about the Bethel Fall of Hope.
845-389-4294This event is made possible by a dedicated group of community members who give their time, energy, and heart to make the Bethel Fall of Hope a reality.
Poughkeepsie Galleria · JC Penney Lot · 11AM – 4PM