Thanks for a wonderful Feast!

Just wanted to say thank you to everyone who helped make this year's Feast of the Seven Fishes such a success! We had nearly 30 vendors selling delicious Italian and homemade treats, fabulous live entertainment, an awesome festival cucina, and a peaceful mass celebration.

So much work goes into the planning of this festival- and a lot of the work is completed by volunteers who donate their time to create a celebration for the community. Thank you again to everyone who strives to improve our community!

Enjoy a few pictures from the Feast and enjoy this holiday season!

December Events in Downtown Fairmont!

Historical Society's Historic House Tour

Mark your calendars! It is time for 16th Annual Holiday Historical House Tour in Fairmont, West Virginia, sponsored by the Marion County Historical Society. What a great opportunity to visit some of the beautiful private homes of Fairmont as well sites preserved from demolition. There are several new tour stops this year, such as the former home of the owner of Jones Department Store in Fairmont Farms, The Blood House formerly known as the Tretrick House built from the bricks made at the Haymond Brick Factory, the Smigocki home and the Former Peoples Temple Methodist Church. There will be several other old favorites on the tour as well. This self-guided tour starts at 10 am on Saturday, November 28th from 10 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Tickets are $13.00 in advance and $15.00 on November 28th. Tickets may be purchased at the Marion County Museum located by the Court House in Fairmont, WV or sending a check to MCHS, P.O 1636, Fairmont, WV 26555-1434. If there are questions, contact 304-367-5398 or e-mail: marionhistorical@yahoo.com.

Also, don’t forget the MCHS is sponsoring a bus tour to see Festival of Lights in Wheeling on December 1. There are only 3 spots remaining!

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Black Friday Sales in Downtown

Don’t forget to check out our downtown businesses for Black Friday Sales!! Aspire Uniqueness at 89 Fairmont Avenue is having a huge black Friday sale with 40% off everything in the entire store!!! Visit all our downtown shops for great deals this holiday season!

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United Way Oldies Dance Party

Live United Oldies Dance to benefit the United Way of Marion County and its 18 member agencies. Saturday, December 5, 2009 at the Fairmont Elks Club Grand Ballroom 8:00 - 11:00 PM featuring the J. R. Farley Band and a Taste of Marion County plus a Silent Auction featuring various items... cash bar...casual dress...Tickets are $20 per person.

Call Tiffany or Toni at the United Way Office at 304.366.4550 for more information.

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Women’s Club High Tea

Please support the Women’s Club on Sunday, December 6th from 2-4pm for the English High Tea. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling Mary Jo Thomas 304-366-2912.

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Fairmont Christmas Parade

Main Street Fairmont is hosting this year’s Christmas Parade on Monday, December 7, 2009. We will also have the coronation of the Feast of the Seven Fishes Prince and Princess who will then ceremoniously light the Christmas Tree in front of the courthouse. As part of the fun, New Mystics will be conducting a dramatic reading of the holiday classic, Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. We will also have hot cocoa and treats available. If you would like to be in the parade, please call the Main Street Fairmont office at 304.366.0468 or email sandra@mainstreetfairmont.org.

Timeline: Monday, December 7, 2009

5:15 Coronation of the Feast of the Seven Fishes Prince and Princess
5:30 Lighting of the Christmas Tree
5:30 Parade Line-up
5:45 New Mystics Theatre Company will present a dramatic reading of Charles Dickens’ classic tale, A Christmas Carol
6:30 The Christmas Parade Begins!!

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First Annual Feast of the Seven Fishes Prince and Princess Contest

As part of this season’s festivities, Main Street Fairmont will be crowning a Prince and Princess for our Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival!! This contest is open to boys and girls between the ages of 3 and 8 years and it is NOT a beauty contest!

The announcement and coronation of the winners will be held on December 7, 2009 at the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the County Courthouse in downtown Fairmont. Your child will also ride in the parade that evening.

Additional prizes include a crown, sash and a $100 Savings Bond.

The Fine Print…
Parents need to first register their child with Main Street Fairmont. Parents are to collect change for their child. Each penny is equal to one “vote” in their child’s favor. The boy and girl who receive the most votes will be the reigning Feast of the Seven Fishes Prince and Princess! Cans for money collection may be distributed throughout the community at the discretion of the parents. It is the responsibility of the parents to collect the money, count it, and deliver currency or a check for the total amount collected. No loose change will be accepted. All money is due no later than noon on Tuesday, December 1, 2009 to Main Street Fairmont at 206 Adams Street, Fairmont. Winners will be notified that evening. By participating in this contest, you also allow your child’s image to be used in Main Street Fairmont photos and advertising.

For more information, please contact Main Street Fairmont at 304.366.0468.
All proceeds benefit Main Street Fairmont and the continued revitalization of downtown Fairmont.

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Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival

The Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival is held each year in Fairmont, West Virginia to celebrate the Italian Christmas Eve tradition. It’s a one day event with traditional italian foods, shopping, music, more food, cooking demos, fish, a street market, and even more food, but we already mentioned that. Everybody is welcome—because when it comes to Christmas Eve and the Feast of the Seven Fishes, everyone is Italian.

December 12, 2009 • 11 AM - 7:30 PM Monroe Street

2009 Schedule of FREE Entertainment Events:
• 11 AM: Festival Opens
• 11:30 to 12:30: Ott Meale & Sam Manno
• 12:30 to 1 PM: Chico Cann Chorus
• 1 to 3 PM: JR Farley Band
• 3 to 5 PM: Mirella the Musician
• 5 to 6:30 PM: Five Guys Named Moe
• 6:30 - 7:30 PM: Catholic Mass (all are welcome)

OTHER ACTIVITIES: 12:30 to 2 - Festival Cucina (cooking school) Old-World Traditional Meal - $20 Admission Call 304.366.0468 to reserve your seat!

3:30 PM: Homemade wine competition

4:30 PM: Homemade Italian cookie contest

Click here to watch our commercial on youtube!

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Annual 18th Century Christmas Market at Pricketts Fort State Park!

Visit Pricketts Fort for a unique shopping experience several centuries in the making. The Fort buildings and Job Prickett House will be decorated for the season and open for tours with costumed interpreters and hot wassail. Artisans will display their wares and demonstrate in the park's Visitor Center. Food will be available on site. Live music will be featured daily. There is no charge to shop the market area, but a ticket is required for the tour.

Contact: info@prickettsfort.org or call, 304-363-3030

Friday, December 11, 2009- 10-4:30
Saturday, December 12, 2009- 10-4:30
Sunday, December 13, 2009- 12-4:30

On Saturday, December 12, 2009, there will be transportation between Pricketts Fort State Park and the Feast of the Seven Fishes Festival thanks to the Marion County Transit Authority! Take advantage of two great holiday treats which celebrate Fairmont’s heritage!!

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Madrigal Yuletide Feast

Fairmont Senior High School is celebrating the holidays with its Madrigal Yuletide Feast. For only $25.00, you get to enjoy a wassail reception, a choice of a prime rib or chicken kiev dinner and a live performance show. Order forms are available at the Hairport at 310 10th Street or by calling 304-363-0221. The shows are on December 11, 2009 at 7pm, Saturday, December 12, 2009 at 7pm and Sunday, December 13, 2009 at 2pm.

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Snaps and Snacks with Santa

The Women’s Club of Fairmont is presenting a Snaps and Snacks with Santa day on Saturday, December 12 from 2-4pm. Tickets are $5 and can be purchased by calling Mary Jo Thomas at 304-366-2912.

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Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre
Holiday Comedy Mystery Dinner Theatre Event "Heist of the Seventh Fish" at Gatherings 216 Monroe Street Fairmont WV Dates: Dec 11, 12 Doors open 6pm Contact: Patricia J Pagán at 304-657-7113 Admission: $38.95 plus tax http://www.ParablesEvents.com
Email: contact@ParablesEvents.com

The Delcielos Family is getting ready for their annual holiday variety show under the stress of low ticket sales. When a valuable family treasure turns up missing, accusations fly and Dewey, the aging security guard is determined to solve the mystery himself without bringing in the "Po-Po". If you solve who dunnit you may just be awarded the Super Sleuth prize! Lots of fun, music, intrigue and great food in the newest entertainment venue in Downtown Fairmont WV.

MSF is a Semi-Finalist for the Great American Main Street Award!

Main Street Fairmont was honored again this year by the National Trust for Historic Preservation as a Great American Main Street Award semi-finalist. Downtown Fairmont was one of 10 communities chosen throughout the United States that represent volunteers working together for positive change in our communities! Congrats to all our volunteers, city workers and community members who work to make Fairmont one of the greatest communities to live in!

After submitting additional supporting materials, we will find out if we’re selected as a 2010 Great American Main Street Award at the National Main Street Conference in May. Please keep your fingers crossed!

Scarecrow Contest Winners Announced!

Thanks to everyone who entered and participated in the second annual downtown scarecrow contest! This fun little event helps bring a smile to all those who live, work, and shop in downtown Fairmont and shows how much creativity Fairmonters have!!


The winners of the scarecrow contest are:

#1) the City of Fairmont with 95 votes - $50 gift certificate to downtown businesses and shops

#2) Green Hills Garden Club with 38 votes - $20 gift certificate to downtown businesses and shops

#3) Marion County Adult and Community Education Center with 37 votes - $10 gift certificate to downtown businesses and shops

We hope you all had fun in this contest and we thank you so much for participating! Hope to see you all again next year!

Adams Office Supply Ornament Unveiling!

Main Street Fairmont’s ornament program has become an annual holiday tradition within Marion County. The ornament program was instituted in 1994 as a fundraiser for the newly established downtown revitalization organization. After fourteen years, the ornament program is a staple of the Main Street’s fundraising strategy and has become a signature activity of Main Street Fairmont with the community eagerly anticipating each year’s featured building. The ornament also highlights historic preservation in downtown Fairmont, showcasing historic buildings and the importance of preserving them. The distribution and sale of these keepsakes also encourage shoppers to visit local downtown businesses to purchase the ornaments.

Another staple of our Main Street Program is the support we get from our community. Main Street Fairmont is a volunteer-based organization whose strength lies in the interest of revitalizing downtown. Adams Office Supply is one of those community based stores that make such a difference in our hometown. The store itself was incorporated in February of 1932, Adams Office Supply has seen over 77 years of changes in downtown Fairmont.

Adams Office Supply moved to this great building in 1971 and has since become quite a landmark. Eddy Snider and Harvey Havilichek are very visible downtown, showing their community pride through sweeping sidewalks, or washing windows. Because of their dedication to the community, as well as offering quality customer service and a great selection of office supplies, Adams is poised to have another successful 70 plus years.

It’s an honor this year, to present our 14th ornament in the series, the First National Bank of Fairmont.

Scarecrow Contest!!!

Main Street Fairmont is hosting a scarecrow contest in downtown Fairmont to celebrate the arrival of autumn. The contest is open to everyone including schools, church groups, and individuals although they must call Main Street Fairmont to register. Scarecrows must be constructed of durable materials that will survive at least one month in the elements and be made of inexpensive material in case of theft. The only requirement is that the scarecrows be appropriate for family viewing.

The scarecrows will be placed on preassigned lamp-posts with zip ties supplied by Main Street Fairmont on Friday, October 2 or Saturday, October 3, 2009. All scarecrows must be removed by November 1, 2009.

Visitors can vote for their favorite scarecrows at pre-assigned downtown shops and prizes will be awarded for first, second and third places.

For more information, please contact the Main Street Fairmont office at 366-0468 or email contact@mainstreetfairmont.org , Sandra@mainstreetfairmont.org or Alani@mainstreetfairmont.org.

Ribbon Cutting Ceremony to Welcome “Aspire Uniqueness Boutique” To Downtown Fairmont

Main Street Fairmont and the Marion County Chamber of Commerce are proud to host a ribbon cutting and grand opening celebration to welcome the Aspire Uniqueness Boutique, LLC. into downtown Fairmont. The celebration will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 at the boutique at 89 Fairmont Avenue in the historic Crawford Building.

Aspire Uniqueness Boutique, LLC. is owned by Neshia Bridges, and managed by Corliss Bridges. The Boutique is a gathering place for all things unique such as designer fashions, scarves by JNX International of New York, and special laundry care products. Aspire Uniqueness specializes in custom dress designs and ready to wear contemporary fashions and accessory items for women and men. The boutique brings together mid to high end fashions to give their customers a unique style.

Aspire Uniqueness is open Monday-Thursday 11am-6pm, Friday 11am-7pm, Saturday 11am-5pm and closed on Sunday. You can also find them on the web at www.aspireuniqueness.com.
Neshia is a 2009 graduate of Fairmont State University with a degree in Fashion Merchandising. She is also a successful author, publishing a book of poetry entitled Misery Loves Company.

The event will begin at 11a.m. with a ribbon cutting at 12:15p.m. The public is welcome to join us as we celebrate Fairmont’s good fortune in having a hip, contemporary fashion outlet in downtown.

Amazing Independence Day Celebration!!!

We want to thank everyone who came out and supported a great 4th of July show!! Froggy Country Radio brought in Nina Sharp, the Davisson Brothers, and BILLY RAY CYRUS to entertain our crowds!! Nearly 17K people showed up to celebrate the holiday together and enjoy great music. This was definitely the largest crowd of folks together in downtown Fairmont in quite a while!

Thanks to the City of Fairmont and their employees for helping to make this event possible, Time Warner Cable, the WVHTC for awesome fireworks, the Marion County Parks Department for installing a great new roof structure over the stage and everyone who worked to make this celebration a success.

Enjoy a short video of the event below... what a great time!

National Main Street Conference!

Main Street Fairmont and the state of West Virginia was proudly represented at the National Main Street Conference in Chicago, Illinois March 1-4, 2009! Our delegation learned many new techniques about how to revitalize our downtown. We're looking forward to implimenting these strategies including social networking (we have a facebook page) and bringing technology downtown! On a side note, we began soliciting for a consultant to help us with our Preserve America oral history podcast project so look for more information about that in the coming days!

In the mean time, enjoy some of our photos!

The Palmer House Hilton Lobby- Conference Location~

Volunteers and managers mingling after a long week of classes at the River East Arts Center.

Chocolate Tasting Tour Winners!

Main Street Fairmont is pleased to announce the winners of the Fourth Annual Chocolate Tasting Tour.

Bobbi Doerrfler won the grand prize gift basket by casting her ballot at The Soy Shoppe. The basket was filled with over three hundred dollars worth of items from our downtown merchants!

Cassie Riffle won the Mountaineer basketball tickets by visiting the Fashion Scene, Maureen Wolfe won the movie tickets to Hollywood Cinema after stopping into Serenity Cafe and Lynn Bird won the overnight stay at the Holiday Inn and brunch at Westchester Village by stopping into Friendly Furniture.

Thanks to everyone who participated to make the Chocolate Tasting Tour a success. And remember, downtown Fairmont is always open so please continue to patronize our downtown shops and cafes!

Chocolate Tasting Tour- Saturday, Feburary 7, 2009

Hi Everyone!

January has been long and cold, but we are gearing up for the Fourth Annual Chocolate Tasting Tour! Visit downtown shops for a sample of free chocolate and enter to win lots of prizes! Come downtown to find a little special something for your sweetheart for Valentine's day and see how many shops you can enter in one day! It's a fun day for all- come down to Fairmont!