Scheduled for Sunday, September 12
Reading, MA — In May, as the state relaxed COVID restrictions, the Reading Rotary and the Fall Street Faire Planning Committee were met with a challenge. Could they pull off planning the Fall Street Faire in just three months? Fall Street Faire Co-Chair Gregg Johnson explains, “It was never a question of what we wanted to do. Of course, we wanted to hold the Faire. But it usually takes six months of planning and organization. We were all aware that trying to do it in three months would be hard. But we decided to just go for it.” The Faire is scheduled to be held on September 12 from noon to 5 pm.
The team of more than 20 volunteers has mobilized and been hard at work for the past few weeks, setting up the website, getting the word out to vendors and sponsors, and working with Town Hall on logistics.
This will be the 13th annual Reading Fall Street Faire, an event that brings together local restaurants, retail businesses, and community groups for a fun-filled, family-friendly day.
Downtown Reading streets, including parts of Haven, Main, and High Streets, will shut down for residents to stroll and enjoy local shops, restaurants, musical and dance performances, and community group booths. Planned events include a tailgate area, cornhole tournament, children’s activity area, a vintage car show, and three stages with performances going throughout the afternoon. There is something for everyone.
A challenge the group is facing is a possible uptick in COVID cases and changing state guidelines. Longtime Fall Street Faire organizer Tim Kelley explains, “The Fall Street Faire can draw more than ten thousand people. For many residents, it’s their favorite local event of the year. Obviously, we are closely tracking state and national guidelines for COVID. We are going full bore to plan the Faire this year but recognize we may have to make adjustments to comply with state and federal guidelines as we move forward. We will be counting on people’s cooperation as we may be facing changing recommendations like masking in public.”
The Reading Fall Street Faire Committee is looking for help! Here’s how you can show your support:
Sponsor
The Fall Street Faire is an enormous undertaking. It wouldn’t be possible without the sponsorship of local businesses and organizations. Fall Street Faire Sponsorship lead Jenniffer Rogers explains, “We are grateful to have tremendous support of the Faire by local businesses. It’s a win-win. They are supporting an important local event. And the event itself highlights our amazing local business community.” Many sponsorship levels are offered, to ensure all local businesses can participate. See fallstreetfaire.com for more information on how to sign up to be a sponsor.
Vendors
For many people, the highlight of the Fall Street Faire is walking Haven and Main St and seeing all the local businesses and non-profits in our town. Vendor coordinator Sheila Clarke explains, “There’s so much happening in town that people don’t even know about. This is a chance to see all these non-profits and organizations and local businesses all in one place.” If you have a local community group, non-profit, or business and would like to reserve a spot at the Faire, sign up today at fallstreetfaire.com. Spaces are limited and going fast, so sign up today.
Volunteers
On the day of the Faire, there is a huge need for many volunteers. Volunteer Coordinator Kristin Bonazoli is heading up that effort. “We have opportunities for everyone,” she explains. “You can sign up for the entire day or for a shorter shift. It’s an easy way to give back to the community, meet some really great people and have fun, too.” Kristin emphasizes that if you’ve enjoyed the Faire in the past, this is a great way to participate and keep it going into the future. Sign up today at fallstreetfaire.com to volunteer.
All information about Reading Fall Street Faire can be found at fallstreetfaire.com. You can also like and follow Reading Fall Street Faire on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.
