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!