Showcasing the best of North Central West Virginia’s deep Italian history, the Feast of the Seven Fishes is set to provide both locals and out-of-towners with a weekend of rich, traditional Italian fun. This year, the weekend will kick off Dec. 7 with The Festival Cucina, while the all-day Italian street market will take over Monroe Street Dec. 8. Main Street Fairmont Director Nikki Lewis said those who attend the festival are in for an experience like no other, especially if one isn’t from an Italian background.

“The event is based on a book and traditional Italian Christmas Eve activities,” Lewis said. “That’s what the cooking school is. Seven people come in and cook seven meals. You get the recipes and you can go recreate the dish. The street festival is a traditional Italian market day. It’s purposely kept small, as opposed to some of the larger events.”