Fall River celebrates

by Ron Fortier

Everyone from Fall River remembers the Christmas displays that decorated downtown. The most vivid memories perhaps are those of their childhood.

For each generation, regardless of how you celebrate the season, the month of December was a festive time of year. Downtown offered a wide agenda of shopping, entertainment, and celebratory events. Nothing has changed when it comes to those who look forward to the lights, the sounds, and the foods that are a large part of these winter festivities. Yes, things did change. Fall River’s downtown, as did others across the country, declined as the growing influence of the malls ushered in a new era and a new mindset when it came to retail shopping, especially during the Christmas season. However, there’s new life returning to the heart of downtown due in part to MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency. The agency’s mission is to work with, “businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth” in specific areas of the city.

Fall River’s downtown resurgence is a reality due in part to its designation and inclusion as a TDI area (Transformative Development Initiative), a program for Gateway Cities such as Fall River that seeks to assist accelerated economic growth within focused districts such as in the heart of downtown. Fall River’s TDI District “connects the city’s art district to its newly developed waterfront” and incorporates the area near the Government Center, which includes a sizable portion of South Main Street from Anawan Street and down to Union Street near Kennedy Park. The district offers a wonderful walkable area with waterfront views, retail establishments, and family-friendly restaurants and eateries offering local favorites, seafood, and more. In November, kicking off the holiday season, the area features the Spindle City Festival, a free family-centric event celebrating art, music, food, and fun. This and the recent first annual Fall River Farmers & Artisans Market or, Thanksmas Market are helping to create the district’s distinct identity. Events like this and others help to promote Downtown Fall River as a destination. This December features the 37th Annual Fall River Children's Holiday Parade on Saturday December 4th at 1 p.m. The parade’s route starts at Kennedy Park and goes down South Main Street ending at the corner of Central and Bedford Street. The parade is considered one of the

largest children’s holiday parades in New England. It features high school bands from throughout New England, giant parade balloons, decorated floats, other marching groups including local fire and police departments, as well as motorized units and costumed characters. Fall River Public Schools and other local schools also participate and help to set the stage for Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus’ annual visit! Greater Fall River RE-Creation is sponsoring its Holiday Celebration featuring free holiday fun for the whole family on December 5 from Noon to 3 p.m. including food, face painting, pictures with Santa, and lots of holiday fun. Speaking of the jolly old soul, on Friday December 10 at 6 p.m. Greater Fall River RE-Creation is sponsoring Dinner with Santa! On Sunday, December 19 at 3 p.m., it’s the Fall River Symphony Orchestra's 97th Season: Holiday Pops Concert. There’s more music! The Narrows Center for the Arts’ December agenda is packed! Here are just a couple of the featured acts, all playing from 8 to 11 p.m. on their respective days: on December 4 it’s John Cafferty & The Beaver Brown Band; on December 16 it’s Wynonna Judd; and on December 17 it’s the Masters of the Telecaster featuring Jim Weider, GE Smith, and Jon Herington. For more information about these events and celebrations, visit vivafallriver.com, gfrrec.org, or narrowscenter.org.