Many in Greater Fairmont believe the holiday season officially kicks off when the Feast of the Seven Fishes takes place downtown. The annual celebration of Italian Christmas tradition returns for its 13th year Saturday. Every year, it features Italian cuisine, music and fun for the whole family.

Named a top 20 event for December by the Southeast Tourism Society, the Feast was inspired by a graphic novel published by Robert Tinnell. Along with his wife, Shannon Colaianni Tinnell, the Fairmont residents founded the festival by working closely with the community and Main Street Fairmont.