Every December, West Virginians from across the region flock to downtown Fairmont to enjoy the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a festival based on a traditional Christmas Eve meal served by some Italian families. While the festival has become known over the last decade or so for its authentic Italian street market and other holiday festivities, the COVID-19 pandemic is forcing the event’s organizers to change how things are done this year.

After brainstorming ways to still hold the festival, Main Street Fairmont has decided to bring the feast to the people, rather than having the people come to it. “In 2020, the feast is going to feel a lot like a ‘create your own feast’ atmosphere,” Main Street Fairmont Director Tim Liebrecht said.