Victorian Fair 2017: What Melrose Needs To Know

MELROSE, MA — It's upon us: The Victorian Fair! The fair - which has taken place since 1981 - is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 10. It's shaping up to be loads of local fun.

Below are some things to know about this year's fair. (We'll keep adding to this, so send updates to mike.carraggi@patch.com. And say "Hi" this Sunday, please!) And remember to subscribe to Melrose Patch for more local news and alerts.

Fire thing's first. Check out the general street map here:

Did you know there will be a bike valet service? You are encouraged to walk, bike, or take the bike valet service on West Foster Street. The service is provided by the Pedestrian and Bicycle Advisory Committee and Mass in Motion.

What's a fair without raffles? The chamber members donated 13 really sweet prizes to the Big Ticket Raffle. You can see those prizes below - they range from a bunch of perks at the YMCA to Red Sox tickets to, yes, lunch with Mayor Dolan. The Melrose Free Press put this map together for a handy visualization.

Tickets are $10 and can be purchased before the Fair at Miter Biter Frame Company, 479 Main Street or at Eastern Bank, 441 Main Street. You can also buy tickets by contacting the Melrose Chamber of Commerce’s office at 781-665-3033. On Sunday, you can purchase tickets at the Chamber’s booth #92 (cash only), as long as tickets remain.

Winners are drawn at the conclusion of Center Stage performances on Fair day. You don’t need to be present to win.

Proceeds from raffle ticket purchases benefit the Chamber’s programs and events. "The Big Ticket Raffle is just one of the many traditions that make up the Victorian Fair and is always popular among Melrosians. Melrose Chambers members have donated some really great prizes this year and it’s yet another wonderful example of how our business community gives back throughout the year," said Chamber Executive Director, Lauren Grymek.

Melrose will be one of 15 Bay State cities participating in National Drive Electric Week, recognizing and celebrating electric vehicles. A selection of locally-owned plug-in electric vehicles including the Tesla S, Chevrolet Bolt, Chevrolet Volt, BMWi3, one of the city’s Ford Focus EVs and others will be on display in front of the old Malden Electric building at 11 Upham Street during the Victorian Fair.

Center Stage, hosted by Marcy Holbrook, will feature music, martial arts demos, and more performances.

The Artisans' Marketplace is a rare opportunity to buy pieces from local artists all in one spot. That spot will be inside the VFW (428 Main.) The Marketplace is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Melrose.

Need a map of the vendors? Check it out below:

The Library will be holding its Fall Book Sale on the Library Lawn during the fair. Get books, CDs, and DVDs for a low, low price (we're talking about 50 cents or a couple bucks.) All proceeds go to Melrose Public Library.

Interested in volunteering? It would be appreciated! Email Lauren Grymek at the Chamber if you would like to donate your time and have some fun!

EMARC’s 23rd annual 5K, sponsored by Marathon Sports, will follow the Fair. Learn more and figure out how to register here.

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Photo by Mike Carraggi