Community spirit shines through at Reading Fall Street Faire
(3-4 minute read)
Tents of organizations and businesses along Main Street at the Reading Fall Street Faire on September 7, 2025. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Rain couldn’t keep the crowds away from this year’s Reading Fall Street Faire, hosted by the Reading Rotary. While the morning began with showers, the skies cleared by afternoon, and residents came out in full force to enjoy one of Reading’s most anticipated community events.
To ensure safety, a few adjustments were made to the day’s activities. Inflatables were not permitted due to wet conditions, and live music performances began slightly later than scheduled. Still, the festive spirit never wavered.
Main Street and Haven Street were lined with tents featuring local businesses, nonprofits, school groups, and town committees eager to connect with the community. Families and friends strolled between booths, catching up with neighbors after summer and learning more about local initiatives.
Music, connection, and community spirit
The Local 52 performed on Main Street with a special guest dancer at the Reading Fall Street Faire on September 7, 2025. Photo by Taylor Gregory.
Two bands- Blue Spotlight and The Local 52 - performed to enthusiastic crowds. One of the most heartwarming moments came when a young girl began dancing during The Local 52’s set, delighting both the band and the audience.
The Faire also offered residents opportunities to engage with important local issues:
Community Preservation Act (CPA) Committee) members shared information about the possibility of Reading adopting the CPA, which provides funding tools for preserving open space and historic sites, developing recreation, and supporting affordable housing. The proposal is currently being studied and may come before Town Meeting and voters in the future. Learn more here.
The Reading Climate Advisory Committee asked residents two key questions: how they personally contribute to fighting the climate crisis, and how the Town itself can help. Personal answers included composting, recycling, biking, and driving electric vehicles, while community-focused responses suggested planting more trees, maintaining green spaces, and reducing the urban heat island effect.
The Reading Historical Commission engaged residents on a potential bylaw change to extend the demolition delay for historic properties from six months to twelve months, giving more time to consider preservation efforts.
Meanwhile, Reading Memorial High School (RMHS) student groups, including Drama, Band, Swim & Dive, Cheerleading, and Color Guard, used the Faire to raise funds for their programs. On the Town Common, the Wee Irish Pub hosted a small but lively beer garden for adults to enjoy.
A true community effort
The Reading Fall Street Faire highlighted everything that makes the town special - neighbors reconnecting, students and organizations showcasing their work, and residents engaging in meaningful conversations about Reading’s future.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the Reading Rotary for organizing this cherished event, to the volunteers who made it possible, and to the community whose energy and enthusiasm turned a rainy start into a spectacular day.
