Reading Fall Street Faire Has 'Something for Everyone'

The streets of Reading will be packed with residents this weekend as the 2013 Reading Fall Street Faire is expected to draw up to 10,000 visitors on Sunday.

Among the activities scheduled for this year’s fair are an antique car show, the Fall Street 5k Road Race, performances by local bands and dance groups, and more.

In addition, the majority of businesses in town will be represented with booths. There will be a wide variety of food and beverage for sale, and a selection of inflatables will be set up for children and teenagers to bounce around on.

“I think the reason people look forward to the fair is that it’s a larger, more extensive street fair than what occur in many of the surrounding towns,” said volunteer Brian Snell. “It’s not unusual to find fairs, but it is unusual for one to pull attendance figures like the 7,000-10,000 people that we expect on Sunday.”

The annual event takes place from 12-5 p.m. rain or shine, though if the weather doesn’t cooperate, some of the activities may be scaled down.

A pair of stages will be set up for the fair, one on High Street and one on Woburn Street. Each will include performances that last about 30 minutes varying from bands to gymnasts, ballerinas and Irish step dancers.

One of the most important aspects of the fair, according to Snell, is that it gives business owners the chance to meet customers, and vice versa.

“It’s a way for the business community to say ‘we’re here, and thank you for your business,’” said Snell. “That’s a message a lot of the businesses are going to be putting out there on Sunday.”

Snell added that volunteers are still needed for the event, particularly in the children’s area. Interested residents can visit the Reading Fall Street Faire website.

With such a wide range of activities happening on Sunday, Snell said no resident will go home disappointed this weekend.

“There is definitely something for everyone,” said Snell.