It’s a lucky year for the 4th Street Fair — the 44th annual — in Historic Olde Richmond.
Thousands of visitors are expected to browse more than 140 vendors with arts, crafts and unique finds in the revitalized gathering.
The fair is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4, and Sunday, Oct. 5, along South Fourth Street between A and E streets near Wayne County Courthouse. Admission is free for all ages.
While many traditions continue, a new attraction is a live tree-carving demonstration at 10 a.m. Saturday and 1:30 p.m. Sunday at the corner of South Third and B streets. Seating will be available nearby to watch Master Carver Dayle Lewis at work. Inspired by the former nearby Starr piano factory and historic worker homes, the design will feature stairs, music and heritage.
Those attending can explore two food courts with food trucks, seats and shade tents.
The event is also known as a place to catch up with friends, classmates and neighbors, and see live musical entertainers. Rest tents are provided throughout the five blocks.
Games, prizes and activities are planned in the Kids Zone, organized by LifeSpring Church and supported by volunteers from local congregations.
Fair organizers are seeking volunteers for various roles throughout the weekend. Advance registration is encouraged at 4thstreetfair.com/volunteers.
In the spirit of the fair’s founder, the late Gertrude “Lucky” Ward, proceeds from the event will benefit the community through the newly established 4th Street Foundation Inc.
Ward bought a historic home on South Fourth in the 1970s, sparking the formation of Neighborhood Preservation Services and the fair. After Ward’s death, Senior Opportunities Services continued the fair until 2023, when the 4th Street Foundation Inc. began.
Contributions of $40 to the 501(c)(3) nonprofit’s Friends of the Fair program offer the donor a T-shirt, $5 Fair Bucks toward food, and their name on the wall of fame. Shirts and Fair Bucks can be picked up at a booth near 228 S. Fourth.
Gifts are to help underwrite ongoing programs and community events; support the fair and local vendors, artists and performers; and build community pride and celebrate the city’s history.
Foundation leaders, including President Tom Davis, say the organization is dedicated to preserving Richmond one neighborhood at a time.
For more information, call 765-273-3311.
A version of this article appeared in the October 1 2025 print edition of the Western Wayne News.