NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The year 2020 was supposed to be a year of celebration for the North Adams to mark the 125 years since it had incorporated as a city.

 

But the arrival of the novel coronavirus has put all those plans off now — along with a host of beloved summer activities.

 

The city of North Adams has made the decision to cancel all annual summer events through Labor Day. This includes the Concerts at Windsor Lake series, Movies Under the Stars at Colegrove Park, the Eagle Street Beach Party, Downtown Celebration, and the Motorama Car Show.

 

"I know this is a disappointing announcement. Our summer events bring people together to spend time with friends and neighbors, and to celebrate the sense and spirit of community that we hold so dear here in North Adams," said North Adams Mayor Thomas Bernard. "Like so many other communities, we're making this tough decision in the interest of public health and in light of current COVID-19 guidance. We intend and hope that all annual public events and series will resume as normal in 2021, following a safe and healthy recovery from COVID-19."

 

The city has yet to decide the status of fall events like the annual Fall Foliage Festival and parade. 

 

City officials say they are hopeful that those events will be able to take place with appropriate precautions in place. The anticipated North Adams 125th Celebration has yet to be rescheduled, but will likely be pushed to late 2020 or summer 2021. 

 

The health and safety of residents and visitors are the primary concern in making these scheduling decisions. COVID-19 is highly contagious and its full effects on the human body are still being investigated. It has caused more than 100,000 deaths nationwide and more than 6,500 in the state, includng 40 in Berkshire County.