Fall Foliage Parade 2019

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OCTOBER 6, 2019 1PM • DOWNTOWN NORTH ADAMS, MA


Wednesday, October 2, 2019

RELOCATE, GROW, OR START YOUR BUSINESS IN THE BERKSHIRES

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MAKING CONNEC TIONS

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PROMOTING THE REGION

GROWING BUSINESSES

DEVELOPING LE ADERS

LEADERSHIP CIRCLE INVESTORS

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Thomas W. Bernard, Mayor

AYJ Fund

smiles ... connections ... cures www.AYJfund.org (413) 652-1602

AYJ Fund on kathy@AYJfund.org

FALL FOLIAGE PARADE | 1BERKSHIRE.COM

Sincerely,

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

Welcome to the City of North Adams for the 64th annual Fall Foliage Parade! This year’s theme, “There’s No Place Like Home,” speaks to the sense of welcome and community that makes this fall celebration and tradition such a welcome part of life in North Adams and the Northern Berkshires. The theme calls to mind Dorothy’s famous line from The Wizard of Oz, which marks its 80th anniversary this year. However, while Dorothy’s quest for home brought her to the Emerald City, the Fall Foliage Parad e is a horse of a different color…namely the glorious colors on display as the leaves on our beautiful Berkshire hills put on their yearly spectacle. Fall in New England is an amazing time, and for visitors it provides a Technicolor reminder that we’re not in Kansas anymore. Like Dorothy’s journey down the Yellow Brick Road, the route to parade day only succeeds with the help of great companions. It truly takes brains, heart, and courage to organize and present our parad e. From the Lullaby League and the Lollipop Guild to the parade organizers, community volunteers, and city staff, to this year’s great and powerful Grand Marshal, Dr. Len Radin, everyone brings their full measure of vim and verve to the planning effort. The results are evident as people line up along the route to clap for their favorite band, cheer on our first responders, and marvel at the wonderful floats and decorations on display in the parade lineup. I hope you enjoy the parade and take time to explore the cultural amenities and natural beauty of our city, visit local businesses and restaurants, and experience the civic pride and spirit of community that makes North Adams a special place to live. Whether you’re a good witch, a bad witch, or not a witch at all, there is no one in Massachusetts that can beat fall in North Adams and the Northern Berkshires – Not Nobody! Not Nohow! Therefore, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Pompa Comm itteetatum E Pluribus Unum I hereby confer upon you all my best wishes for a wonderful Fall Foliag e Parade!

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6th at 1:00 PM, the 64th This coming Sunday, October l kick off in the beautiful City Annual Fall Foliage Parade wil its, high school bands, creof North Adams. Marching un and many more will make ative floats, local dignitaries, yellow brick road as they their way down the (not quite) ere’s No Place Like Home... celebrate this year’s theme: Th in the Berkshires. ain partner with the City of 1Berkshire is thrilled to once ag anize this timeless Northern North Adams to plan and org denying that the commuBerkshire tradition. There is no rgoing an exciting transfornity of North Adams is unde ment have been injected mation. New energy and invest laying the groundwork for into this historic Berkshire hub, rney in the years to come! what should be an exciting jou ments will be on full display All of these inspiring develop Festival weekend. I encourthroughout the Fall Foliage te of community events all age you to enjoy the exciting sla is truly a comweekend long! perennial success because it a be to es nu nti co e rad Pa e The Fall Foliag unity-minded individuals who mm co the to , rch ma o wh s es a small munity effort. From the group te their time and energy, it tak na do t tha es ess sin bu ny ma ch year. But it’s plan the event, to the ate a vibrant, festive parade ea cre to ) ver we ho ys, nke mo ion of ng army (no flyi onored tradition and a celebrat e-h tim a is it nt eve ity un rs family and even more than a comm a show of civic pride that gathe it’s es; hir rks Be the in l Fal d North Adams an er year. t and make memories year aft we should friends to enjoy the excitemen l Foliage Festival and Parade, Fal r’s yea s thi joy en to e tim As we all take the ly helping bring toand creativity that are not on ion rat bo lla co ing go on the keep in mind d the region. also truly transforming a city an t bu l, tiva fes ul ssf ce suc a r ing and partgethe as we have enjoyed the plann ch mu as nt eve r’s yea s thi joy We hope you en your little dog, too! us to see the wizard - and bring h wit me Co it. to up g din lea nership Sincerely, Jonathan Butler 1Berkshire President & CEO

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September 26 - October 6

Ongoing Festival Events

Annual Fall Foliage Leaf Hunt

Clues revealed September 28 in iBerkshires.com and the Berkshire Eagle. This annual scavenger hunt event runs through the festival.

Hoosac Valley Fall Foliage Train Rides

Time: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1:30 PM, 3 PM Tickets: $16 adults, $14 seniors (65+) & armed forces (with ID), $12 children (ages 4-14), FREE Lapsitter (age 3 and under)

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

2019 Fall Foliage Festival Events

Thursday, October 3rd

Fall Foliage Ziti Supper

Location: Saint Elizabeth’s of Hungary at 70 Marshall (weekends only) September 28 - October 27 Street Contact: (413) 663-5316 Location: Adams Station, Time: 4 PM-7 PM 3 Hoosac Street, Adams Tickets: $10 adults, $7 chilContact: Hoosacvalleytrainride.com dren (12 and under)

St. Elizabeth’s of Hungary will hold its annual ziti supper at the Parish Center. Dinner includes ziti and

meatballs, salad, bread and butter, and a beverage. Desserts will also be available.

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tourism@northadams-ma. gov Time: 9 AM-1 PM Annual Fall Foliage Tickets: Free for all Be sure to stop by the Children’s Parade Farmers Market after the Location: Main Street, annual dog parade. The North Adams Farmers Market is one Contact: (413) 664-4006 | of the most pet-friendly Kathy Keeser Time: 4:30 PM -Registration places in the city! begins | 5:30 PM - Parade 9th Annual Fall Dog begins Parade Tickets: Free for all Location: Veteran’s MemoChildren from throughout rial Park at the corner of the Northern Berkshire’s Eagle Street and Route 2 are encouraged to make Contact: (413) 664-6180 costumes and enter the Time: 10:00 AM-11:30 AM parade. This year’s theme (registration at 10AM | Pais There’s No Place Like rade at 10:30AM) Home...in the Berkshires. Tickets: Free for all (donaParticipants must arrive at tions to local animal resthe corner of Main Street cues accepted) and Eagle Streets, near All dogs are encouraged the First Baptist Church, by to participate. Owners are 5 PM. The parade begins encouraged to make cosat 5:30 PM and proceeds tumes and enter their dogs west on Main Street to City into this parade. This year’s Hall. Individual, Group, parade theme is There’s and float winners will be No Place Like Home...in the invited to participate in Berkshires. Categories are the 64th Annual Fall Folifunniest, best duo (owner age Parade. Please note and dog), best group that groups should be 10 or (dogs), best small dog, fewer children, as there are best medium-sized dog, only 10 medals that will and best large dog. Prizes be awarded per category/ will be awarded following prize. Awards are sponthe parade and ribbons will sored by Greylock Federal be given to all participants. Credit Union. Dog parade winners will be invited to participate in the Saturday, 64rd Annual Fall Foliage Parade at 1PM on Sunday, October 5th October 6,2019. Awards North Adams Farmers are sponsored by Greylock Market Federal Credit Union. Location: St. Anthony Mu-

Friday, October 4th

Northern Berkshire United Way funds 20 local member agencies that provide health, education, financial stability and safety net programs. As a result, over 10,000 individuals in our community have the opportunity to succeed in school, work and life.

nicipal Parking Lot at the intersection of Route 88, Marshall Street, and Saint Anthony Drive Contact: (413) 664-6180 or

Annual Blessing of the Animals

Location: St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church and Parish Center off St. Anthony Drive


The Fall Foliage Parade Committee is working with the North Adams Police Department on public safety for the

Fall Foliage Festival and Parade on Sunday, October 6th

Fall Foliage Brew N’ Chew, Craft Fair, and Miner Combat’s Dancing in the Street

Location: Downtown North Adams. NorthMain St. between American Legion Dr. & Eagle St. Contact: (413) 664-6180 Time: Noon - 5 PM Tickets: Free for all Join us downtown for a celebration of Fall Foliage with local artisan and crafter booths, local beer tent featuring Bright Ideas

Brewing and Berkshire Breu-Hous, hot dog eating competition to benefit PopCares and Miner Combat’s Dancing in the Street Fundraiser to benefit PopCares, supporting local families battling cancer. Noon to 5PM - Vendors/ food/beer 12:30 PM – 1:30PM - $20 to participate in Dancing in the Street Zumba and STRONG 2:00PM - No fee – crowler holding contest ( Contest is run in heats) 3:00PM - $25/team to participate in Hot Dog Eating Contest Fall Bazaar Location: VFW Post 996 – Mohawk Trail Contact: (413) 743-5040, Mary Risch Time: 9 AM-3 PM Tickets: Free for all Find something for everyone at this fall bazaar including a Chinese auction, fishbowl, raffles, baked goods, fried dough, and hot dogs.

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Time: 11 AM Tickets: Free for all The Annual Blessing of the Animals is held on the same day as the Dog Parade. Sat Sept 29 11AM in the driveway between St. Elizabeth of Hungary Church and Parish Center off St. Anthony Drive by the statue of St. Francis of Assisi, patron saint of animals. Rev. Dariusz Wudarski will be blessing the animals. All types are welcome and will receive treats from parishioners.

at 1:00 PM. The police will be working on street postings, road closings, detours, and all safety precautions. The night before the parade there will be a number of streets posted with “NO PARKING” signs. These streets include Main, Church, lower Eagle, State, Curran Highway, Ashland, Blackinton, and Porter. The postings will begin after midnight and take approximately three hours to post throughout the city. Street cones, wooden horses, and signs will have been placed at all intersections with the help of the North Adams Department of Public Works. Portions of the route will be shut down at 11:00 AM, including all northbound traffic into the city via Route 8. By 12:00 PM, all traffic detour posts will be in place. After the police cruisers take up the rear of the parade, the department begins the job of breaking down the detours, taking down all the “NO PARKING” signs, and everything else left from crowd control. The role of the police department is crucial to the execution of the parade and the parade committee is appreciative of their help and support year after year. The dispatchers at the Police Department also play a large role on parade day. For more information about the Fall Foliage Parade, please visit 1berkshire.com/fall-foliage-parade or call 413.499.1600.

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2019 Fall Foliage Parade Safety Information

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Sunday, October 6th

64th Annual Fall Foliage Parade

Location: The parade will commence at the Ocean State Job Lots parking lot, and conclude on Ashland Street after passing through downtown via Main Street. Contact: info@5sensesed.com, Danielle Pellerin Time: 1 PM-4 PM Tickets: Free for all This year’s theme is There’s No Place Like Home … in the Berkshires. Visit 1berkshire.com/fallfoliage-parade for more information including the parade lineup.

Hot Air Balloon Rides

Location: Noel Field, State Street Time: 4 - 6 pm Sponsored by: RE/MAX Compass Real Estate Tickets: Suggested donation of $10 per adult, accompanied children free Donations to benefit the Fall Foliage Parade and Festival Want more information or a schedule of events? Visit ExploreNorthAdams.com. Detailed descriptions and information about these events and more can be found online at explorenorthadams. com/city-events.

We are proud to support the Fall Foliage Parade Our support for local events and organizations is well known. It is a key factor in our commitment to the well-being and vitality of the communities we serve.

berkshirebank.com Member FDIC.

9/19

Don’t want to fight the traffic on parade day?

Consider taking the Train! Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum’s Hoosac Valley Service will be offering train rides on parade day departing from Adams Station, 3 Hoosac Street, Adams, MA on Sunday, October 6.

11:30 am Departure from Adams Boarding Platform with arrival in North Adams at approximately 12:00 12:15 pm. Easy walking distance to view the parade route on Main Street or Ashland Street. Folding chairs and coolers are welcome aboard! Train will depart from North Adams at 3:00 pm and arrive back in Adams at approximately 3:30/3:45 pm. Tickets: $16 adults, $14 seniors (65+) & armed forces (with ID), $12 children (ages 4-14), FREE Lapsitter (age 3 and under) Limited space available - tickets are available online. Reservations are encouraged. Contact: www.berkshiretrains.org


There's No Place Like Home at BFAIR! 771 SOUTH CHURCH STREET NORTH ADAMS, MA 01247 413-664-9382 WWW.BFAIR.ORG

CONTACT US: info@iBerkshires.com or 413-663-3384

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What a Lineup:

Check Out This Year’s Parade Participants 2019 Adams Aggie Fair Prince and Princess Alert Hose Co. All Seasons Realty Group American Legion District 1 Color Guard/Marchers AMVETS Dept of MA Berkshire Community College Berkshire County Head Start Berkshire County Sherriff’s Department Berkshire Dance Theatre Berkshire District Attorney Andrea Harrington Berkshire Dream Center Berkshire Fatherhood Coalition Berkshire Merchant Services Berkshire Pride LGBTQ Contingent Best Way Car Wash Bryan Sapienza for City Council Canine Connection Chasing Dreams Dance Center

Cheshire Fire Dept City of North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard Civil War living History Society Clarksburg Volunteer Fire Company Clowning for Kidz Foundation Community Health Programs Congressman Richard E. Neal Dr. George L. Curran VFW Post 996 & the Auxiliary Drury High School Marching Band Erica’s pearlicious pearl parties First Baptist Church North Adams Florida Volunteer Fire Department Gary Superneau Youth Bowling League Greylock Federal Credit Union Greylock School PTG

Ernie’s Auto Sales 400 Curran Highway North Adams, MA 413.663.3503 We buy, sell and service premier quality pre-owned cars, trucks and SUV’s

Hoosac Valley High School “Hurricane” Marching Band ICC Riders Marching Band In Motion Dance Academy J Star Athletics MASS MoCA / artist Cauleen Smith Massachusetts State Senator Adam G. Hinds Melha Shriners NAACP, Berkshire County Branch Neil Kennedy New Ashford Fire & Rescue North Adams City Council North Adams Cub Scout Pack 35 North Adams Elks 487 North Adams Fire Dept North Adams Youth Cheerleading NorthEast Pyr Rescue (NEPR) Northern Berkshire EMS Northern Berkshire EMS Club Northern Berkshire Girls Softball

Northern Berkshire Transport Northern Berkshire United Way Past tenths Pete Buttigieg for President Peter J Oleskiewicz Philmont Fire Co. Pittsfield High School Band RE/MAX Compass Register of Deeds Maria T. Ziemba, Northern Berkshire District Roll’en homes State Representative John Barrett, III Studio North Dance Arts Team Rodriguez The Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum Torrington HS Band Town of Adams Forest Warden Department Townsquare Berkshires UCP of Western Massachusetts Woodford Snobusters and Southside Sales


Platinum Leaf Sponsor

City of North Adams MountainOne Bank | Insurance | Investments

Gold Leaf Sponsors

berkshirejobs.com berkshiremenus.com iberkshires.com Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) TD Bank

Silver Leaf Sponsors

Berkshire Bank Berkshire Family & Individual Resources, Inc. (BFAIR) The Brien Center for Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services, Inc.

Casella Waste Systems, Inc. J.H. Maxymillian, Inc. Mildred Elley Moresi & Associates Northern Berkshire United Way Raymond James West Oil Company, Inc.

Bronze Leaf Sponsors

A1, Inc. AYJ Fund Berkshire Community College (BCC) Deerfield Machine & Tool Ernie’s Auto Sales, Inc. Greylock Community Club Greylock Federal Credit Union H.A. George Fuel Corp. Northern Berkshire New

Michael Bates Jack Brooks Arthur DeBow Tony DeMarco Julie Fouch Bruce Hayden Suzy Helme Christine Hoyt

Kathy Keeser Janet Lanoue Joe Martin Ed Nimmons Danielle Pellerin Joanne Thornton Dale Waterman Doug Yriart

Red Leaf Sponsors

GVH Studio, Inc. Jack’s Hot Dog Stand North Adams City Councilor Jason M. LaForest Sheriff Thomas Bowler and the Berkshire County Deputy Sheriff’s Association Souliere & Zepka Construction

Individual Donors

Bernice “Red” Alcombright Terri Armata Peter & Maryanne Belouin Charlie & Judy Blaisdell Pauline & Robert Bona Stanley & Maralyn Brown John & Beverly Canale Maryann Caproni Gene & Justyna Carlson The Cellana’s Barbara Cheesbro Paul Corriveau Marilyn DeRosa Jerry & Mary Desmarais

Joseph S & Mary M Domenichini George & Deborah Forgea Rita A. Gardner Shirley Garner Don & Carol Graves Carl T. Hansen David & Marybeth Kennedy Phil & Denise Krutiak Mary & Gary LeBeau Shirley Lescarbeau Barbara Lewis Al + Lorraine Mancuso Edward F. Nimmons Diane Parsons Bernie Pinsonnault Joseph & Patricia Prenguber Diane & Mike Pytko Franklin Risatti Will Rose Joe & Colleen Rossi Catherine Scerbo Susan Spooner Bob & Barb St. Pierre Jean Veazie Carol Williams Hayes Julia Wolfrum Theresa Wood Susan Zoltek

Best Wishes from The Northern Berkshire New Car Dealer Association McANDREWS-KING Buick – GMC K-M MOTOR SALES INC. Toyota BEDARD BROTHERS AUTO SALES, INC. Honda – Volvo – Dodge – Chrysler – Jeep – Chevrolet

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Thank You to Our 2019 Fall Foliage Parade Committee

Car Dealers Association Specialty Minerals

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

A Big Thank You to All of Our 2019 Contributors

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Give.

In a word, we believe in the multiplying power of generosity. With one simple action, you can spark something greater than yourself. That’s what Bob James did back in 1962 when he founded Raymond James. He believed a business had a responsibility to generate more than profits. Today, we continue his legacy in words and actions as we seek to go forward by giving back. LIFE WELL PLANNED.

Paul A. Fortini / David Rice Vice Presidents, Investments

7 North Street // Pittsfield, MA 01201 T 413.236.5612 // F 413.236.5854 paul.fortini@raymondjames.com www.psfinancialadvisors.com

PROUD TO SUPPORT the Annual Fall Foliage Parade !!

© 2017 Raymond James & Associates, Inc., member New York Stock Exchange/SIPC. Raymond James is not affiliated with the organization listed.

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We are proud to support the 64th Annual Fall Foliage Parade!

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“There’s No Place Like Home in the Berkshires”

Proud Supporter of the 2019 Fall Foliage Parade 593 Ashland Street, North Adams, MA • www.westoilcompany.com

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Dr. Len Radin

din said in a recent interview. “I am very honored and happy to be the Grand Marshal of this parade that features the message, ‘There’s no place like home’ from The Wizard of Oz.” Dr. Radin has invited a few alumni to march with him in the parade, in costume from their Wizard of Oz productions. He stated that

he was delighted to have “alumni ‘coming home’ from as far as Florida to be in this year’s parade.” With such an esteemed Grand Marshal and with all the support and donations received by the local community, this year’s parade will be better than ever as we kick off the fall foliage season in the Berkshires.

PO Box 247, North Adams, MA 413.663.8351 │ a1incorporated.com

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Drama Team and serving as its volunteer director for over 25 years. Beloved by the community and his students alike for his volunteer service to the North Adams Public Schools, Dr. Radin led four productions of The Wizard of Oz in his time as Theatre Director. He always loved this production because it was very inclusive, allowing for a large cast of over 100 people of all ages and portions of the community. He also feels very strongly about the messagDr. Len Radin will lead this year’s parade as Grand ing of Frank Baum’s books, Marshal for the upcoming like The Wizard of Oz series, 64th Annual Fall Foliage because the most powerparade. Dr. Radin was se- ful characters, good or bad, lected for this honor not only are all women. In addition because of all he has done to all this Dr. Radin serves for the community, but for the community as a suchis enduring love for The cessful dentist. “Directing the Drury DraWizard of Oz. Dr. Radin has spent over 60 years in the ma Team and teaching at theatre business, includ- Drury was among the most ing founding the nation- meaningful and enjoyable ally award-winning Drury activities of my life,” Dr. Ra-

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

64th Annual Fall Foliage Parade Grand Marshal

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Fall Foliage Festival and Parade History More than a half-century ago, the leadership of the North Adams Chamber of Commerce deemed the advent of the fall foliage season a time for celebration – given that the natural beauty of the surrounding mountain ranges drew visitors from all over the eastern United States. They decided to ask local residents to join with their many visiting friends for a little fun and merriment during the most beautiful season of the year. When Frank Casuscelli, the driving force behind the North Adams American Legion Drum & Bugle

Corps, received word that the chamber wanted to organize a celebration in 1947, he immediately contacted the rest of the members of the New York Drum and Bugle Corps Alliance to make arrangements for a

Foliage Festival was born and with it a history of community spirit and growth that has evolved into one of the finest civic celebrations in the United States. The festival’s first-year success did not continue, however. In 1948, without any available funding, the chamber was only able to arrange a parade that featured about 50 new trucks supplied by area dealers. It was street parade and drum obvious that more support corps competition to be was needed. The next year it was deheld in North Adams. Prize money ($80) was offered cided that the festival would and 10 units responded to be combined with the 50th the call. Thus, the first Fall Anniversary celebration of

Thanks for making a difference.

It’s an honor to celebrate the things that bring our community together.

Member FDIC | TD Bank, N.A.

the North Adams Elks. Over 25 area Elks groups, each with a band, marched in the parade that fall. The parade drew hundreds of appreciative spectators but the festival still had a long road ahead. During those early years, fall promotion was a part of the chamber’s retail division program. Although many local retailers worked hard to promote the project, it lacked the sound financial support needed to attract quality musical units fit for a major parade. In 1950, $1,000 was raised and a parade with floats and a competition were both staged in


Competition. In 1967, a window-painting competition for local youth and a teenage dance were added. A Golf Tournament and a Main Street pingpong drop were added in 1968. Then, in 1969, Harold Philips served as Festival Chairman and new events such as the balloon race, the no-rain dance, boxing exhibition, and various musical concerts were added. 1970 co-chairs Peter Mancuso and Marcia Brennan took advantage of the new Vietnam Veterans Memorial Rink. They arranged for a hockey game and figure skating exhibition. The Fall Foliage Festival Queen, Miss Nancy Ryan, went on to enter the Miss Massachusetts Scholarship Pageant and won a scholarship award for her talent presentation. The 1971 co-chairs Peter Mancuso and Mrs. Robert Wagner added the 10-mile Road Race and Aqua Field Events. The 1972 festival saw several innovations including the Pet Show, Air Show, Arts & Crafts Sale (held in conjunction with the Art Exhibit), and the 10-mile Bicycle Race. The Fall Foliage Festival Queen, Miss Dina Minardi, was among the 10 semi-finalists in the Miss Massachusetts pageant held in Attleboro and was awarded a scholarship. A big change took place in 1973 with the addition of a large circus-type tent,

that hosted many events. Under the direction of general chairman John “Jack” Leu, a combination arts & crafts flea market was an overwhelming success. Other new events such as a skydiving exhibition, Drury High School Band reunion, pancake and sausage breakfast, community Bingo, automobile show, beer festival, old-fashioned variety show, and a drawing for the Massachusetts lottery were added to the festival. 1980 saw the return of the Drum Corps Exhibition. After a span of more than ten years, the drum corps competition was once again presented in the weeklong celebration. The parade committee used of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Skating Rink again. Competing that year were the Citations from Burlington, the Sharpshooters from Framingham, Valley-Airs from Northbridge, the Queensmen from Woburn, and the Cavaliers from Somerville. The Drury High School band co-sponsored the event and helped provide manpower and services. Another event on Columbus Day 1980 was racing at Green Mountain. T h e festival and parade have changed many times throughout the years. Yet, the original concept has remained solid: the advent of the fall foliage season is definitely a 15 time for celebration.

FALL FOLIAGE PARADE | 1BERKSHIRE.COM

“Orr touch” was seen in the rules and regulations, which has made the parade one of the top attractions of its kind in the country. The genius of Orr cannot go unremembered. Thus, a trophy in his memory is given annually to the float judged as the best theme entry. The festival celebrated its 10th year as a full eightday civic celebration in 1965. Thomas King, a longtime festival worker, was appointed as general chairman. Chamber executive Arthur Kelts served as administrator. King’s reign saw the addition of current mainstay including the Children’s Parade and the Phantom Leaf Hunt. An air show was also added that year to kick-off the week’s activities. New events and the expansion of existing events demanded a reorganization and decentralization effort. 1966 saw the establishment of a co-chairman system to lead the festival. Joe Dolan and Mrs. Edward Buckley served as general co-chairs for the festival. King handled the parade directorship. An all-time high of 22 young women vied for the Queen’s title in 1966. Saturday became Family Fun Day with a full day of appealing activities planned. That year also saw the start of the High School Marching Band

Wednesday, October 2, 2019

October. In 1956, with Donald Deans as the chamber’s president, the celebration began to take its present form. With Francis “Bud” Hayden and Read Barrows as co-chairman, a full week of activities were planned that included the Queen Contest and Fashion Show. Member Corps of the New York State Drum and Bugle Corps Alliance were on hand for the big parade and competition. Support for the festival broadened to include more than just retail merchants. For the first time, the event ended in the black with money to build next year’s event. Another turning point in the festival’s history came in 1958. Harry Orr, a man who was later tabbed “Mr. Fall Foliage Festival,” entered the scene. A master at staging civic celebrations and circus events, Orr had just retired to his hometown of North Adams. That year, the celebration was cochaired by Milton Spencer and Rene Menard and Orr learned the ropes. In 1959, Orr and Hayden served as co-chairmen. Many new activities were added to the festival’s calendar of events, including the Festival Dance and the “Blessing of the Festival.” More professionalism was brought to the Fashion Show and to the Queen Contest, which built their reputation as quality events. The real


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Celebrating Fall Foliage in the Berkshires

North Adams | Pittsfield | Williamstown Quincy | Rockland | Scituate | www.mountainone.com MountainOne Bank is: Member FDIC. Member DIF. Photo credit: MountainOne employee Lynne Carlotto

The financial advisors of MountainOne Investments offer securities and advisory services through Commonwealth Financial NetworkŽ, member FINRA/SIPC, a Registered Investment Adviser. Fixed insurance products and services offered through CES Insurance Agency or MountainOne Investments. MountainOne Bank is not a registered broker-dealer or Registered Investment Adviser. MountainOne Bank and MountainOne Insurance are not affiliated with Commonwealth. MountainOne Investments’ main office is located at 85 Main Street, Suite 100, North Adams, MA 01247. (413) 664-4025 Insurance and Investments are not insured by the FDIC and are not deposits or obligations of, or guaranteed by, any depository institution. Funds are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of principal investment.


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