Fairhaven fun

by Sean McCarthy

Whether you’re interested in culture, commerce, or community, Fairhaven offers a plethora of opportunities unique to this seaside town.

For the fifth consecutive year, the grounds of Fairhaven High School and the Fairhaven Recreation Center will be the site of the Huttleston Marketplace, an outdoor event that includes more than 75 local vendors, plying their individual wares.

Beginning on May 21 and running until September 17, each Saturday will offer a wide array of shopping opportunities from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. While many of the merchants will be available each Saturday, most days will feature a diversity of vendors, contributing to a special experience each weekend. Among the many items available are handmade arts and crafts, quality antiques and vintage collectibles, and clothing. There will be local photographers and authors, and there will be edibles including fresh produce, plants, herbs, honey, eggs, and more, along with prepared food and beverages.

The Huttleston Marketplace is located at the intersection of Main Street and Route 6. There is free parking available.

“The Huttleston Marketplace is such a friendly social occasion,” says Lisa Elliott, a Fairhaven weaver who has been a part of the event since it began. “People come with their kids and their dogs, and you can meet up with friends they haven’t seen in a while. It’s nice to see what people are making and growing, and there’s always something new and different to be seen.”

“The Marketplace is full of creative people with like minds who create products that they’re proud of. They have everything from soap to t-shirts to leather goods to jewelry,” says Swansea’s Ray Lafleur of Lafleur’s Wildflower Honey, who has also been at the event since it began. “You may show up looking for a specific item and discover a lot of other things you’ll have an interested in.”

“This event has a super good vibe. It’s like a family of friends and customers,” says Stephanie Sherman, owner of New Bedford Pottery Works, who has been at the event all five years. “Oftentimes you’ll keep in touch with clients. Someone may discover something in the summer and want to buy something for Christmas.”

History hikes and more

History students have opportunities to explore and enjoy Fairhaven with the Henry Huttleston Rogers Walking Tours, and the Pirates & Privateers Presentations. The Rogers Walking Tours take place from June to September on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10 a.m. Beginning outside of the Town Hall at 40 Center Street, they explore the magnificent buildings in the village area that the powerful businessman donated to his hometown, and tells the tale of his rags-to-riches life.

The Pirates & Privateers Presentation takes place Friday mornings at 10 a.m. from June through September. Weather permitting, the events take place at the Fort Phoenix flagpole at the south end of Fort Street. The tour includes detailed stories about the pirate treasure buried by Captain Kidd on Sconticut Neck, true tales from around Buzzards Bay during the American Revolution, and other pirate lore such as treasure maps and walking the plank. Tours can also be made for groups by appointment.

There will be a Fairhaven Farmer’s Market each Sunday from June 19 through October 30, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Located at 151 Alden Road, the privately-operated market features locally-grown edibles such as vegetables, fruits, baked goods, meat, herbs, honey, jams, plants, homemade soups, fresh-squeezed lemonade, and other farm-related products. Parking is available on the premises.

A popular summer event in Fairhaven is the Father’s Day Roadrace. The 5-kilometer run starts at 9 a.m. on Sunday, June 19, beginning at Hastings Middle School at 30 School Street. Making its way through the historical streets of Fairhaven, the race includes some of New England’s top runners.

Online entry for the race is $20 for adults, $25 after June 1. Adults 70-andover and children 13-and-under can register for $10. T-shirts will be given to the first 1,000 entrants. There are no race-day entries. F

Fairhaven’s annual Homecoming Day Fair takes place on Saturday, June 25 on Center Street, from William Street to Green Street. The free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring 175 booths of handmade crafts and delicious foods, as well as live entertainment, children’s activities, fire engine rides, and an art exhibit on the west lawn of the Unitarian Church. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Improvement Association, more information can be found at Fairhavenimprovement.org.

Fairhaven will host a Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 30 at 10 a.m. Coordinated by the Veteran’s Services office, the parade steps off at the intersection of Main Street and Center Street and will progress north to the Riverside Cemetery for a ceremony at the Civil War monument. The parade will include participation from military and veterans groups and others.

For further information on any summer events in Fairhaven contact the Office of Tourism at (508) 979-4085. Their website is fairhaventours.com.