2009 Fall Foliage Parade Needs Banner Carriers
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Organizing the 54th annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade is a daunting task for Berkshire Chamber of Commerce volunteers that includes finding a "few good men, women, boys or girls," who are willing to carry the banners of parade sponsors."We always need a few extra people to cover for those who can't make it," said Rod Bunt, parade director. "We have asked people who have banners in the parade to supply their own carriers, if possible, but so far not many have done so. We still have a shortage."
The parade committee saw an increase in volunteers willing to carry banners last year and hopes this year brings the same out-pouring of community spirit. Bunt said that proudly marching the banners of corporate parade sponsors down the festival route represents a crucial aspect of the parade.
"We want everyone along the parade route to see the banners of the amazing sponsors who pay from $250 to several thousand dollars to make our spectacular parade possible," said Bunt. "Banner carriers are a huge part of the parade and we're always so pleased to see both new and familiar faces.
A minimum of 150 banner carriers is needed to carry banners of corporate sponsors. Carriers should be at least 11 years of age, since the parade route is two miles long. Those willing to carry the banners will receive a free parade T-shirt, available exclusively to banner carriers.
Anyone interested in carrying a banner in the parade should contact Christine Hoyt at the Berkshire Chamber at 413-499-4000, Ext. 26. For additional information and festival updates visit the Fall Foliage Festival Web site.
