2012 Events Overview

Bicentennial Concert:Providence Brigade Band
Saturday, February 25, 2012, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m.
Fairhaven Town Hall, 40 Center St. Fairhaven
This free concert sponsored by the town's Bicentennial Committee, features the Providence Brigade Band, a 19th century period brass band specializing in traditional music from the 1800s and the Civil War period. Handicap accessible. Free.

Bicentennial Program:
Fairhaven's 1812 Incorporation
Saturday, February 25, 2012, 4:00 p.m.
Fairhaven Town Hall, 40 Center St., Fairhaven
A recreation of the original Town Meeting, music and public addresses by local officials will highlight the program, to be followed by birthday cake in the banquet room and a lantern walk to Cushman Park for a bonfire and a display of ground fireworks. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee. Handicap accessible. Free.

Bicentennial Bonfire and Ground Fireworks
     POSTPONED TO SUNDAY, FEB. 26
Saturday, February 25, 2012, 6:00 p.m.
Cushman Park, Green Street, Fairhaven
A lantern walk from the Town Hall following the Bicentennial Program will lead to a public gathering to enjoy a blazing bonfire and a display of ground fireworks presented by Fairhaven selectman Dr. Brian Bowcock. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee. Free.

Colonial Club Historical Tea
Sunday, February 26, 2012, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Coggeshall Memorial House, 6 Cherry Street, Fairhaven
The Colonial Club holds its annual tea, which this year celebrates the 200th Anniversary of the Town of Fairhaven and the 100th Anniversary of the Colonial Club itself. Enjoy tea and goodies and tour the house to see many historical artifacts from Fairhaven's past. Free.

Bicentennial Ecumenical Service
Sunday, February 26, 2012, 2:00 p.m.
First Congregational Church, 34 Center St., Fairhaven
An all-faith ecumenical service with an all-church choir will be held in honor of Fairhaven's 200th birthday. Sponsored by the First Congregational Church and other Fairhaven churches. Free.

Bicentennial Banquet and Ball
Saturday, March 10, 2012, 6:00 p.m. to midnight
Seaport Inn, 110 Middle St., Fairhaven
Townspeople and invited guests will enjoy a fine dinner followed by dancing. Tickets are $40 per person and include a souvenir glass. Tables of 8 may be reserved for $300. Tickets may be purchased by mailing a check made out to Town of Fairhaven (with "Bicentennial Ball" noted on the memo line) to Don Arsenault, P.O. Box 186, Fairhaven, MA 02719.

Fairhaven Village Militia
Spring Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday and Sunday, May 26 & 27, 2012
Fort Phoenix, Fort Street, Fairhaven, MA
10:00 a.m. Saturday to 3:00 p.m. Sunday.
The Fairhaven Village Militia, the Fairhaven Office of Tourism and guests present a two-day historical encampment at Fort Phoenix. Talk to period costumed men and women about the fort’s history and life in the 1770s. See military drilling, flintlock musket and cannon firing demonstrations and camp cooking demonstrations. Try tomahawk throwing or children’s games. Also see activities such as spinning, fire starting, demonstrations of 18th-Century dentistry and more. Free. Handicap accessible. For more info: 508-979-4085 or visit http://fort-phoenix.blogspot.com/.

Memorial Day Parade
Monday, May 28, 2012
Main Street, from Center Street north to Riverside Cemetery.
8:30 a.m.
Units will march from Center and Main streets north to Riverside Cemetery. There will be a pause at Fairhaven High School for the raising of the “Big Flag” with the National Anthem performed by Fairhaven High School music students. At Riverside Cemetery there will be a ceremony at the Civil War monument, followed by a cannon salute.

Fairhaven Farmer's Market
Sunday afternoons, June17 through October 14, 2012
Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Avenue, Fairhaven
1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Get your greens while “Being Green.” Buy fresh local produce from area farmers. Enjoy the local market with family and friends every Sunday afternoon through October 17. Entertainment will be available occasionally during market hours. Access the parking lot off Main Street to the rear of the Academy Building. Handicap parking. Free admission. Coordinated by the Fairhaven Sustainability Committee.

Father’s Day Bicentennial 10K and 5K Road Races
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Begins at Hastings Middle School, 30 School Street, Fairhaven
Start time, 9:00 a.m.
The annual running of a 10K, TAC sanctioned course through the lovely, historical Fairhaven streets features some of New England’s top runners. There is also a shorter 5K race. Sponsored by Fairhaven merchants. Registration deadline Saturday, June 16. For registration, call 508-997-9460 or 508-992-1804.

Homecoming Day Fair
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Center Street, from William to Green streets, Fairhaven
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Fairhaven’s largest annual event features about 175 booths of handmade crafts and delicious foods in addition to live entertainment, an art exhibit on the west lawn of the Unitarian Church, and children’s activities, including the very popular fire engine rides. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Improvement Association. Free. Handicap parking available. For more information, visit http://www.fairhavenhomecoming.wordpress.com/.

Bicentennial Fire Muster
Sunday, July 1, 2012
Fire Parade, 11:00 a.m. beginning at South Street to
Livesey Park, Glanhaven Ave., Fairhaven
Muster, 1:00 p.m.
A firemen's muster is a fun-filled competition between local fire departments. The parade will leave from South Street at 11:00 a.m. anf travel across town to Livesey Park. The muster will begin at 1:00 p.m. This will be a fun, spectator event for children of all ages. Bring the cameras and enjoy. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Fire Department, call firfighters and the fire departments of area communities in cooperation with the Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee. Free.

Fourth of July Car Cruise
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Starts at Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven
Gather for flag raising 8:30 a.m., Depart 9:00 a.m.
Classic and antique cars and vehicles will gather at Fairhaven High School for the raising of the “Big Flag” then will cruise through town with at stop at Fort Phoenix for the annual Independence Day Ceremony (See below.) Sponsored by the North Fairhaven Improvement Association with the Prowlers and the Downshifters car clubs. Free. For more information call John Medeiros at 508-951-2128.

Fort Phoenix Independence Day Ceremony
and Cannon Salute
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
Fort Phoenix, Fort Street, Fairhaven
10:15 a.m.
A program at the historical, Revolutionary War era fort will feature a brief history of Fort Phoenix, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, musical performances and the singing of the National Anthem followed by the firing of the fort’s five 24-pound Seacoast Defense cannons. Sponsored by the Town of Fairhaven and the Fairhaven Village Militia. Free. Handicap parking available.

Vietnam Veterans "Moving Wall" Exhibit
Wednesday July 4 through Sunday July 8
continous 24 hours a day
Cushman Park Track, Green Street, Fairhaven
An exhibit of "The Moving Wall," a half-size replica of the Washington, DC, Vietnam Veterans Memorial which has been touring the country for more than twenty-five years. Sponsored by the Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee and area veterans organizations.

Bicentennial History Day
Thursday, July 5, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Historical sites throughout Fairhaven
A number of Fairhaven historical sites will be open to the public throughout the day with bus transportation provided from place to place. Stops will include The Whitfield-Manjiro Friendship House, the Old Stone Schoolhouse, the Joseph Bates Boyhood Home, Fort Phoenix, the Unitarian Memorial Church and more. Sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee.

Bicentennial Maritime Day
Saturday, July 7, 2012
Fairhaven Waterfront/Harbor areas
A variety of waterfront events are being planned along the waterfront and on the harbor. Sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee.

Bicentennial Grand Parade
Sunday, July 8, 2012
Livesey Park to Main Street to Center Street to Green Street to Washington Street to KMart Plaza.
Longtime "Voice of the New England Patriot" and Fairhaven High School alumnus Gil Santos will serve as the Grand Marshall for the town's Bicentennial Parade. Marching bands, floats, marchers and riders of all ages will celebrate Fairhaven's 200th anniversary. Sponsored by the Bicentennial Committee with donations from many local business and civic groups. Reviewing stands will be set up at Town Hall and at the Fire Station.

Bicentennial Family Fun Day
Saturday, July 14, 2012, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Cushman Park, Green Street, Fairhaven
A field day, picnic and music will provide fun for the family.

Acushnet Classic Ensemble
Bicentennial Concerts
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, July 25, 26, 27, 2012
Wednesday 1:00 p.m., Thurs. & Fri. 7:00 p.m.
Fairhaven High School Performing Arts Auditorium,
12 Huttleston Ave., Fairhaven (Larch Ave. entrance)
Acushnet and Fairhaven students from the A.C.E. program perform free concerts. In honor of Fairhaven's bicentennial the concert will include the "1812 Overture." Free.

Feast of Our Lady of Angels
September 1, 2, & 3, 2012
Our Lady of Angels Feast Grounds, 7 Jesse St.,
Sat. 5 p.m.-Midnight, Sun. Noon - Midnight,
Mon. Noon - 10:00 p.m.
Procession on Main St. Monday at 1:00 p.m.
A traditional Portuguese “festa” with live music, game booths, Portuguese & American foods, auctions, kids’ activities. Sponsored by Our Lady of Angels Catholic Association. For more info: 508-990-0502

Fairhaven Village Militia
Fall Revolutionary War Encampment
Saturday and Sunday, September 15 & 16, 2012
Fort Phoenix, Fort Street, Fairhaven, MA
10:00 a.m. Saturday to 3:00 p.m. Sunday.
Cannon firing approx. 6:30 p.m. Saturday
The Fairhaven Village Militia, the Fairhaven Office of Tourism and guests present a two-day historical encampment at Fort Phoenix. Talk to period costumed men and women about the fort’s history and life in the 1770s. See military drilling, flintlock musket and cannon firing demonstrations and camp cooking demonstrations. Try tomahawk throwing or children’s games. Also see activities such as spinning, fire starting, demonstrations of 18th-Century dentistry and more.
         Saturday evening at sundown (approx. 6:30 p.m.) see a demonstration “night firing” of the fort’s five cannons. Free. Handicap accessible. For more info: 508-979-4085 or visit http://Fort-Phoenix.blogspot.com.

Veterans Day Parade
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Main Street from Oxford School south
to Fairhaven High School
10:00 a.m.
Annual parade to honor all veterans is followed by a brief ceremony and cannon-firing at Fairhaven High School. Veterans are welcome to line up at Livesey Park at 9:00 a.m. Parade steps off at 10:00 a.m.

Old-Time Holiday Weekend
December 7, 8, 9, 2012
Various times ans locations
A number of holiday events, including caroling, fairs, luncheons, childrens activities, concerts and more are scheduled throughout the weekend by local non-profit, school and church groups. Coordinated and promoted by the Fairhaven Office of Tourism. For more information, call 508-979-4085.