10:12AM / Thursday, September 18, 2008
NORTH ADAMS — Planning efforts for the 53rd annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade is well under way by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the Fall Foliage Festival Parade Committee. The week leading up to the popular event includes a number of events open to the public.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 27
Fall Foliage Festival Annual Leaf Hunt
This event dates back to 1965. Brightly colored paper leaves will be hidden around the area in scenic locales. Contestants who find these leaves will be awarded prizes donated by Northern Berkshire merchants. The rules and clues will be published on iBerkshires and in the North Adams Transcript on Sept. 27. Call 664-6180 for more information.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 28
Children's Road Race
Joe Wolfe Field, Noel Field Athletic Complex. Registration begins at 11:30; races begin at 12:30 p.m. Five age categories for boys and girls, from tots to up to 11 years of age. Trophies awarded for top finishers in each category. The event is free. Call 664-6180 for details.
Children's Fair
Runs from 12:30 to 3:30 at Western Gateway Heritage State Park. Entertainment, low-priced refreshments, games and attractions will be provided for a kids aged up to the mid-teens. Call 664-6180 for more information.
The Children's Road Race and Fair have been canceled because of rain.
THURSDAY, OCT. 2
Fall Foliage Ziti Supper
St. Anthony Parish will hold its annual ziti supper at the Parish Center from 4 to 7. Dinner includes meatballs, salad, bread and butter and a beverage. Desserts will also be available. Music will be provided by the Aladdins. Tickets are available at the door and takeouts will be available.
FRIDAY, OCT. 3
Children's Parade
Children from throughout Northern Berkshire are encouraged to make costumes and enter the parade. This year the Children's Parade theme is "Salute to Sports Fans."
Participants must be at the corner of Main and Eagle streets at 5. The parade will begin at 5:30 and will proceed down Main Street to City Hall. Ribbons will be given to all participants. Group and float winners will be invited to participate in the Fall Foliage Parade on Sunday, Oct. 5. Call Kathy Keeser at 663-7588 for more information.
Comedy/Hypnosis Dinner Show
Hypnotist
Bruce James performs at a dinner show at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 310, 515 Curran Highway. Dinner begins at 6, the show at 8. The cost is $8, and all are welcome. For more information, call 664-9043.
Whooligans Are Back
The
Whooligans, a fun-loving staple on the Southern California Irish music scene, will perform at the North Adams American Legion Post 125. Tickets are $20. The Whooligans will also appear in the 53rd annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade on Oct. 5. Call 664-9004 for more information.
North County Gospel Festival
First Congregational Church hosts the North County Gospel Festival in the church's sanctuary at 7 p.m. A free-will donation will be collected at the door. This concert features an ecumenical choir led by Scott Bailey. For more information, call 663-9940.
SATURDAY, OCT. 4
Farmer's Market
St. Anthony Municipal Parking Lot from 8 to noon offering seasonal fruit, vegetables and other produce and homemade goods for sale. Backyard farmers are invited to sell their crop as well. Call the Mayor’s Office of Tourism for details, 664-6180.
Fall Foliage Charity Bed Race
Starts at noon on Main Street. Teams will race their beds on wheels down Main Street in the second annual
charity event. For more information or to register a bed, call 281-0069 or
foliagebedrace@hotmail.com.
Autumn Arts & Crafts Festival
The 5th annual Autumn Arts and Crafts Festival takes place on the sidewalk on the north side of Main Street from 10 to 3. For sale will be wood crafts, watercolors, natural jewelry, handcrafted beaded jewelry, dog clothing and accessories, local and regional photography, crochet and knit items and so much more! Interested artists and crafters can contact Sharon Leary at 664-5404 for more information.
Fall Foliage Day at The Range
Buy-one-get-one-free round of miniature golf (higher price prevails) available all day, $2 tickets for 10 minutes in the bounce castle, and buy-one-get-one-free baseball bucket for the batting cage. Bring the whole family. The Range is located on Curran Highway. Call 663-3030 for more information.
Harvest Dance
From 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 310, 515 Curran Highway. Dance the night away to musical favorites Phil 'N the Blanks and Smart A. Call 664-9043 for tickets.
More Whooligans
The
Whooligans will perform again at North Adams American Legion Post 125; tickets are $20. They will also appear in the Fall Foliage Festival Parade on Oct. 5. Call 664-9004 for more information.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5
Start the Day Right
The Fraternal Order of Eagles' pancake, sausage, egg and home-fries breakfast is a parade-day tradition. Serving is from 7 to 11; cost is $5 for adults and $4.50 for children and seniors.
Parade-side Barbecue
Beginning approximately at noon, the Eagles will hold a parade-side barbecue with sweet and hot sausage grinders, burgers, hot dogs and more. Call 664-9043 for information.
Annual 5K Road Race
Race begins at 12:30 p.m. For race and registration information, call 663-3741 for details. Sponsored by Greylock Federal Credit Union, supporting Newspapers in Education.
53rd Annual Fall Foliage Parade
The parade steps off from the Wal-Mart parking lot at 1 p.m. Join us as we celebrate the advent of the fall foliage season with a parade highlighting the beautiful foliage and honoring sports fans of every age with a "Salute to Sports Fans." This year's grand marshal is former Major League Baseball Commissioner Fay Vincent.
Visit www.fallfoliageparade.com for information on all of the Fall Foliage Festival Events
