ORANGE — The seasonal Third Thursday Street Fairs are under new management and gearing up for the second 2024 event on July 18.

The Orange Revitalization Partnership recently took over the downtown series from the Orange Merchants Group and held an event on June 20, with fair-goers undeterred by the heat.

The fair included live street music performed by singer Franco O’Malley and the typical shopping, dining and socializing. The events run from 5 to 8 p.m.

Orange Revitalization Partnership President Denise Andrews said her organization took control of the series on May 16 and had four weeks to get all necessary permits and recruit bands and vendors.

“It didn’t rain till the last half-hour. It was fun,” she said.

The Third Thursday Street Fairs were first held in 2018 to allow small businesses the opportunity to make themselves more visible and to engage the public about the importance of shopping locally.

Andrews explained the Orange Merchants Group, a voluntary collection of local businesses, let go of the Third Thursday series to focus on Orange Solstice RiverFest, which is now planned for Sept. 14 after being postponed this month due to inclement weather, and Return to Hogwarts from July 24 to 28. She said the Orange Revitalization Partnership accepted the responsibility based on its mission statement, which mentions leading through the cooperative effort of the business community, the municipal government and private individuals. She also said the series is a great benefit to downtown businesses.

Stephanie Cook, who took over ownership of Trail Head Outfitters & General Store in January 2022, said the fair series is a great, family-friendly community event.

“We always look forward to it. It’s always a great time,” she said. “The community in Orange is just phenomenal. They’re so supportive. They’re so friendly.”

Cook said Trail Head will be open during the two remaining Third Thursday events on July 18 and Aug. 15.

The June 20 event included a newcomer, the El Chapincito food truck. The Orange Historical Society presented its second annual “old-fashioned porch visit,” featuring acoustic music by Terry Reed on banjo, Doug Tanner on fiddle and harmonica, and Ann Reed on percussion, with all intermittently providing vocals.

For the remaining two Third Thursdays, attractions slated in the town center, Memorial Park and Riverfront Park include musical acts, the Northern Comfort food truck, the Southern Soul food truck and the Central Congregational Church pie table. Reiki master Posie Ellison, of Mountain Reiki Healing Arts, will offer free mini reiki sessions, but anyone who is interested must call 413-387-7912 in advance to book a session.

To contribute ideas or volunteer help, and for information or inquiries, contact Andrews at 513-780-0538.

Reach Domenic Poli at: dpoli@recorder.com.