Every summer, Fairmont reminds you why it’s worth showing up. The Three Rivers Festival Grand Parade is back, rolling down Fairmont Avenue at 6 p.m. sharp — and if you’ve ever watched it from the curb with a cold drink in hand, you already know this is one of the better evenings this part of the state puts together.
No vague plans. Here’s exactly how the night runs and how to make the most of it.
What’s Happening and When
The parade steps off at 6 p.m. along Fairmont Avenue, heading toward Palatine Park. If you want a front-row spot, get there early. Seriously. By 5:30 p.m., the good curb space fills up fast — families, lawn chairs, kids already in full sugar mode. Plan accordingly.
Lineup for parade participants begins at 5 p.m. on 4th Street. If you’re marching, riding, or rolling, that’s your call time. Don’t be late. Everyone else is already there.
Once the parade wraps, head to Palatine Park for the Opening Ceremony at 7 p.m. That’s where the festival officially comes alive — music, announcements, and the kind of energy that reminds you small cities still know how to throw a proper event.
Making the Most of It
Parking near Fairmont Avenue will be limited and street access restricted closer to parade time. Your best move is to park a few blocks out and walk in. It’s not a hardship — it’s part of the experience. Give yourself at least 30 minutes before the 6 p.m. start.
If you’re bringing kids, stake out a spot near Palatine Park. You’ll catch the tail end of the parade and transition straight into the Opening Ceremony without fighting the crowd. Smart play.
Dress for a summer evening. It’s West Virginia — it could be warm and breezy or warm and humid. Either way, light layers and good walking shoes will carry you through.
This is the kickoff night for the full Three Rivers Festival, which means energy runs high and the crowds reflect it. Come ready to move with the flow, not against it.
Local Picks
🍽 Best Bite Nearby
Before the parade starts, grab something to eat in downtown Fairmont. You don’t want to be hunting for food at 6:45 p.m. with a thousand other people between you and the nearest restaurant. Eat first. Enjoy the parade. Simple.
☀️ Quick Stop
If the summer heat is part of your evening, Pool Queen in Fairmont has what you need to stay cool this season. Whether you’re thinking about a backyard setup for the rest of the festival weekend or just stocking up on summer gear, it’s worth a stop before the week’s out.
📍 Worth the Detour
After the Opening Ceremony, Palatine Park is the place to be. Stick around. The atmosphere after the ceremony is relaxed, the crowd thins out just enough, and it’s one of the better summer evenings Fairmont offers. Don’t rush home.
🔧 Local Service
If you’re hosting a post-parade cookout or backyard gathering and your AC decides it’s the perfect time to quit — it happens every summer, usually at the worst possible moment — Jeff Stewart Heating & Cooling in Fairmont is a local name you want in your phone. Give them a call at 304-363-0610. They know the area, and they’re not going to leave you sweating through the holiday weekend.
Before You Go
The Three Rivers Festival Grand Parade isn’t a passive event. It’s the kind of thing Fairmont does with genuine pride, and it shows. Show up on time. Bring the family. Find your spot before 5:30. Walk to Palatine Park after. Stay for the ceremony.
If you need to see a familiar face in the crowd, Dr. Sandra Cunningham of Fairmont has been part of this community for years — the kind of local presence that shows up at events like this because they’re invested in what Fairmont builds together.
This is your town doing what it does. Be there for it.
Parade: 6 p.m. on Fairmont Avenue | Lineup: 5 p.m. on 4th Street | Opening Ceremony: 7 p.m. at Palatine Park
Photo: Justin Simmonds on Unsplash