Local, School-aged Children Invited to Participate
For Berkshire Chamber of Commerce volunteers, organizing the 52nd annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade is a daunting task 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 outpouring of community spirit. Bunt said 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. Carriers should be at least 11 years of age, since the parade route is 2 1/2 miles long. Those "few good men, women, boys and girls," who are willing to carry the banners of parade sponsors will receive a free official parade T-shirt, available exclusively to banner carriers.
Anyone interested in carrying a banner in the parade can contact the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at (413) 499-4000, Ext. 26. For additional information and festival updates visit the Fall Foliage Festival Web site at www.fallfoliageparade.com
Calling All Marching UnitsFall Foliage Parade Committee Seeks Participation from Local Organizations
The 52nd annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade is rapidly taking shape. Organized by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, the parade will take place on Sunday, Sept. 30, beginning at 1 p.m. Several dignitaries scheduled to march, including state Rep. Daniel E. Bosley, D-North Adams, North Adams Mayor John Barrett III and state Sen. Benjamin B. Downing, D-Pittsfield.
Eight high school bands, representing cities and towns in Massachusetts, Vermont, Connecticut and New York, are scheduled to appear as well several professional marching bands, including the Berkshire Highlanders Pipe Band, the Uncle Sam Chorus and the Taconic Pipe Band. Firefighter units from Florida and North Adams, Clarksburg, Adams and Hoosick and Philmont, N.Y., have responded to the call and will send fire trucks and personnel.
More than 17 marching groups have registered to participate, including the Wild Country Cloggers, Night Cruzers of Berkshire County, Fall Foliage Area Cycle Clubs, and a host of clowns, unicycles, antique automobiles and the ever-fascinating Melha Shriners.
If there are any groups or organizations that would like to march in this year’s parade they are encouraged to contact the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce at (413) 499-4000, Ext. 26. For additional information and updates visit the Fall Foliage Festival Parade Web site at www.fallfoliageparade.com
If you would like to contribute information on this article, contact us at info@iberkshires.com.
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Former Harry's Supermarket Under Construction for Restaurant
Late last month, the Conservation Commission greenlit some tree pruning on the property. New windows and a new door can be seen in the front of the building.
"It's a substantial renovation that's currently underway here," Brent White of White Engineering said, speaking on behalf of the applicant and owner, Huajie Zhu.
A fire gutted the longtime Wahconah Street supermarket in 2023, and the following year, Zhu purchased the property for $460,000 two years ago to build a restaurant with hibachi in the existing footprint of the more than 100-year-old building.
White explained that the project has been ongoing for over a year, and the Community Development Board granted the property a waiver to reduce the minimum required number of parking spaces so that additional spaces aren't needed.
He noted that, looking at the site plan, there is very little room to do so. A mirror will be installed near the sharp turn on Bel Air Avenue to alleviate traffic concerns.
Pruning will be done on trees in the southeast corner of the existing paved parking lot, as a number of branches are hanging over. The new owners also intend to patch, sealcoat, and re-stripe the parking lot.
A fire tore through the building less than an hour after the supermarket closed for the day three years ago. An automatic sprinkler system is required for the new use.
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Jason Codey struck out 13, walked two and allowed just an infield single as the Generals earned a 7-1 win over Wahconah to claim their third straight regional title. click for more
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For the boys, Ward Bianchi helped lead the way with a win in the shot put and a second place in the javelin as the Mounties finished 16 points ahead of runner-up Pittsfield (pending the results of the pole vault, which were unavailable at 11 p.m. Friday night). click for more
