On Sunday, September 12, 2021, Reading Rotary ran the first Reading Fall Street Faire since the beginning of the COVID-19 era.Rotary worked closely with the Town of Reading in planning the event, including the Health Department, DPW, Facilities and Police and Fire Departments.
The weather cooperated as it was a beautiful, sunny day. Crowds were estimated upwards of 8,000 attendees.
There was entertainment on 3 stages (High St., Woburn St. and Main/Haven St.), children's activity area, inflatable amusements, dunk tank and lots of vendors along Main and Haven Streets.
This year was an expanded Cornhole Tournament at the NFL Tailgate.
Special acknowledgement to RFSF Co-Chairs, John Feudo and Gregg Johnson, for guiding the team through an accelerated planning schedule. Further acknowledgement to Rookies of the Year, Jeanne Borawski and Kathy Kinney. Jeanne handled Public Relations, the website and social media. We had ample coverage. Kathy took on the task of getting issued the temporary food permits. She worked with the Health Department to insure requirements were met and food vendors' were serving safely. Ed Sartell made sure all the electricity was available and safe; Eddie also coordinated the Car Show. Sheila Clarke once again ran the Tailgate and made the Cornhole Tournament bigger than ever. Jenn Rogers headed up Sponsorships.
Among the non-Rotarian super-volunteers were Denise Eaton, who arranged all the vendor booths, which may be the most complicated job in the whole RFSF. Bob Beckman again coordinated all the entertainment on three stages. Kristin Bonazoli scheduled the numerous volunteer positions for Faire day. Boy Scout Troops 702 and 728 again helped with the set up and breakdown of the Faire.
A hearty thank you to all who helped. Thanks also to all the Town employees who partnered with us to put the RFSF on.
Finally, thank you to all who came and enjoyed the RFSF and celebrated our community.