Fairhaven’s “Beyond the Bicentennial” Campaign

Capitalizing on the hype and recognition from this summer’s Bicentennial celebration, the town of Fairhaven will host a special season of recreational Farmers’ Markets this autumn as part of an awareness campaign highlighting sustainable initiatives.  Dubbed “Beyond the Bicentennial,” the specially-themed schedule for Fairhaven’s Farmers’ Markets will begin Sunday, September 16, and go every Sunday until October 21.  The season will conclude on November 4 at Town Hall with the first ever Community Visioning Forum, where representatives will meet with residents to harvest strategies for Fairhaven’s future.

Sponsored by the Fairhaven Sustainability and Bicentennial Committees, “Beyond the Bicentennial” is intended to unite residents to create a healthy, resilient, and culturally rich town.  The campaign’s Community Visioning Forum will be an action-planning session and opportunity for members of the community to have their voices heard regarding their idealized vision for Fairhaven’s future.  What are the strengths and assets of Fairhaven? What are the possibilities? What are the main issues to be contended?  What are the solutions?  How do they see Fairhaven evolving in 20 years?  From all this sharing of ideas groups will be formed to determine courses of action.

To promote the Forum, each Farmers’ Market for “Beyond the Bicentennial” will carry themes significant to the town.  The first market on September 16 will carry the theme of Energy; it will feature a solar panel presentation from the Marion Institute, and participation from SouthCoast Energy Challenge, Fortress Green Building Supply, and Fairhaven Wind LLC.  In addition, the first 10 dog owners to stop by the Beyond the Bicentennial tent with their dog will receive a FREE BOX of BioBag Dog Waste Bags.

Other themes scheduled for the season include water quality, recycling, local food, and transportation.  Though meant to raise awareness amongst residents in Fairhaven, all from neighboring areas in the SouthCoast are welcome to stop by and enjoy our Farmers’ Market.

The Fairhaven Farmers’ Market is scheduled every Sunday from 1PM – 4PM and is located on the lawn of Fairhaven High School, 12 Huttleston Ave., on the corner with Main St.  A list of food and craft vendors and description of each week’s events, including the Community Visioning Forum on Sunday, November 4, will be provided on http://www.greenfairhaven.com and at the Fairhaven Beyond the Bicentennial Facebook Page.