56th Annual Fall Foliage Parade Brings Out Community
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The 56th annual Fall Foliage Parade stepped off on Sunday with city firetrucks and police leading the way as the sun broke through the weekend's dreary rainclouds.Starting from Walmart and making their way downtown through Main Street, the floats drew many as the sun came out and dried up the early morning rain. Once the clouds lightened, all that was needed was a light sweater or long T-shirt.
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Jonna Racela came out with her daughter to see hear the music from the parade bands.
"My favorite was the Drury High School band," said Racela. "My nephew is in it and I was in it years ago when I played the clarinet."
Other high school marching bands that proudly played their music were from Hoosac Valley High School in Adams, Torrington (Conn.), Ichabod Crane of Valatie, N.Y., Lewis Mills (the Spartans) of Burlington, Conn., and Pittsfield High.
Local radio station WNAW 1230-AM and its sister stations came through in dazzled sport utility vehicles. A decked-out Batmobile impressed many spectators as it cruised on by at a far lower speed than in the films.
Miss Uncle Sam from Troy, N.Y., touted as the "Birthplace of Uncle Sam," made her way atop a colorful float. Her float was followed by a "Uncle Sam" himself, shaking hands left and right.
The parade had old and young in it. From the youth hockey Black Bears hoisting a tin-foil Stanley Cup to the St. Joseph's High School 40th reunion class shouting and chanting their name, there was something for everyone to enjoy. Among the units were the ever-popular Shriner's contingent with the Melha clowns juggling bowling pins and greeting the youngsters on the side of the street for a high-five or picture.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts had a spot as well. MCLA soccer coach Deb Raber was walking with her dog, Baker, as they spread the word sported on the banner "EmBARK on Education."
The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's float had a dog house with a paper mache Dalmatian to go along with it. To spice it up, they blasted Elvis' "Hound Dog" and some viewers got their groove on right there on the sidewalk.
North Adams couple Juan and Angelica Pacheco viewed the parade and especially admired the bands.
"It was great to see new participants and so much energy," Angelica Pacheco said. "It's real nice to see the community come together as one for the day."
Her husband agreed: "I've seen the parade 19 years straight and this one was a memorable one. I get to spend the Sunday with my family and hear the bands play."
Tags: Fall Foliage, parade,
