Fall River’s ‘Thanksmas’ Market Kicks Off the Holiday Season

The Thanksmas Pre-Holiday Celebration is a one-time holiday event that invites residents and visitors to a fun, family-friendly evening where they can enjoy local entertainment, participate in free activities, and get a jump on their holiday shopping while supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.

This is the first year that Thanksmas is happening in the City and it is an extension of the FR FAM (Fall River Farmers and Artisans Market), which happened in the same location this summer.

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On Saturday, November 13 from 4 to 8 pm, Downtown will be the site of the Thanksmas Pre-Holiday Celebration. This event is hosted by The Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market, Viva Fall River, The City of Fall River, and Craftyish Shop, and includes:

• Food, Fun, and Family Activities - Jeremiah Sullivan Dr. will be closed to traffic from S Main St to Third St. to create a fun, safe perimeter for family activities and holiday merrymaking:
  • Three food trucks will be present - Friskie Fries, Red's RI, and Green Jar Cocina.
  • Live music from Giulia Khoury, TJ’s Music All-Star Bands
  • Performances from Studio Life Performing Arts, BMC Durfee High School Chorus, and the Durfee Theater Group
  • A visit from The Grinch
  • Free Adult Craft Activity from the Greater Fall River Art Association
  • Free Children’s Activities from the Children’s Museum of Greater Fall River
• Holiday Artisan Market on Old Second Street - The picturesque cobblestoned pedestrian walkway located across from the Government Center, will be transformed into a cozy, festive atmosphere, with fire pits and lights, and will feature an artisans market with over 30 local vendors selling a variety of goods, including holiday décor. The perfect place to get a jump start on holiday shopping while supporting local businesses and makers.
• United Way Winter Clothing Drive - A collection bin will be placed on-site and visitors are encouraged to bring donations of warm winter items that will be distributed to families in need by the United Way of Greater Fall River. Items requested: Men's and Women's Winter Coats, Men's and Women's Fleece Coats & Vests, Baby, Toddler, and Children's Coats & Snow Suits, Hats, Scarves, Gloves & Mittens (all sizes), Socks (new only, all ages and sizes).
• World Kindness Day Dedication – The Fall River Youth Violence Prevention Task Force will unveil a new peace and positivity pocket on Old Second Street. RivaRocks will be onsite hosting a free rock painting event and creations can be donated to the Peace display.
• Award Ceremony for the Winners of the Mayor’s YOU(th) Matter Art Contest - The contest is inspired by work being done by the Fall River Public Schools, the Youth Violence Prevention Coalition, and the Fall River Suicide Prevention Task Force to address mental health and values of self-esteem through the “You Matter Project” and the national “#WhyYouMatter” campaign.

A full list of vendors, including food trucks, will be made available a few days prior to the event and will be posted online at VivaFallRiver.com and on the Facebook event page.

For information on how to participate as a vendor, please email Steph Enloe at stephferreira@live.com.