Fall Festival at Faneuil Hall Marketplace made its lively debut Sept. 28 and 29. Guests gathered from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., welcoming the autumn season with an array of exciting activities. The event, which Faneuil Hall Marketplace put on in partnership with Ned Devine’s Irish Pub, featured classic fall treats, live music, performances, free face painting, local vendors and plenty of festive photo opportunities.
Alongside the abundance of eateries at Faneuil Hall, families and friends filled the marketplace to indulge in seasonal refreshments from a variety of street vendors. Red Apple Farm offered its homemade fudge and award-winning apple cider donuts. Miss Mel’s Morsels showcased a colorful assortment of cupcakes and sweet treats and even passed out free cake pops. And Blackbird Baking Co. presented its hand-decorated cookies, many customized with sugary illustrations of Faneuil Hall.
Children were especially delighted as they were greeted with vendors offering balloon animals, light-up toys and complimentary face painting from FaceArt.
Amid the abundance of shops offering fall-themed decor and seasonal items, visitors could also browse a variety of other goods and souvenirs from local favorites like Boston Pewter Company, Best of Boston and Rustic Marlin.
Jenny Brown, an employee at Rustic Marlin, which crafts its products in Hanover, said that many visitors appreciated the chance to find handmade souvenirs and support small businesses.
“We get a lot of tourists that usually say they love us because we make things here and we’re not mass-produced,” she said.
Crowds were also treated to free performances by street entertainers, including the violin music of Vivian Luo and circus stunts by Al Millar.
Fall Fest not only provided Boston residents and tourists with enjoyable autumn activities, but also created a platform for small businesses to showcase their homemade goods and foster growth.
“This is my first year I’ve expanded into markets. I do feel as though they are helping me grow my business,” said Melanie Hatfield, owner of Miss Mel’s Morsels.
Fall Fest offered a delightful experience for residents, tourists and vendors alike, with a variety of fun-filled activities that brought the community together. Kristina Gonzalez, an employee at Red Apple Farm, expressed her hope that Fall Fest would become an annual tradition.
“I would love to come back to Fall Fest,” Gonzalez said.
The smiles on attendees’ faces, the lively music and laughter and the bustling crowds at Faneuil Hall that day suggested that Gonzalez is not alone in this sentiment.
“They’re great for the community and I love things that bring people out,” Brown said. “It’s a beautiful day that people should be enjoying.”
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