MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge Announces Three Winners

03:47PM / Monday, May 10, 2021Print Story | Email Story

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The MCLA Innovation & Entrepreneurship Challenge, held virtually from May 3–May 7, 2021, saw the College community come together to view and vote for three winning pitches.

The finalists, who pitched their business ideas via video, were Lorenzo Cristofolini '21, Cristo's Consulting; Jake Ferrara '21, Ferrara Lawn Care; Latisha Hargrett '21, Strong Shoulders; Austin Miller '21, Get Hooked Bait & Tackle; and Andrew Nygard '21, Wheels Now!

MCLA President James F. Birge announced the winners in a video on Friday, May 7. Austin Miller's Get Hooked Bait & Tackle won first place, which came with a $7,500 award. Latisha Hargrett's Strong Shoulders placed second, for a $5,000 award, and Lorenzo Cristofolini's Cristo's Consulting won the $2,500 third-place award. The startup funding awards aim to cover inventory, equipment, and marketing costs for the three new businesses.

Judging was determined by three votes from North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard and Zoar Outdoor founder Bruce Lessels, and 332 votes from the MCLA community.

To watch the business pitch videos, visit https://mcla.instructure.com/courses/3265819

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North Adams Reschedules Boxcar Races, BBQ Cook-Off Oct. 2

Staff Reports10:28AM / Monday, September 28, 2026

NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — Following a rainout over the weekend, the Boxcar Races & BBQ Cook-Off has been rescheduled for Friday, Oct. 2, on Main Street.

Organized by the North Adams Police Department and Fire Department, the community event will serve as the kickoff for Fall Foliage Weekend and coincide with North Adams' monthly First Friday festivities.

Event Schedule:

5:30 – 6 p.m: Boxcar Races begin on Main Street.
6 p.m.: BBQ judging officially commences.
Post-Race Activities: Attendees can sample BBQ and view the youth entry designs at the Boxcar Car Show.

Organizers report that a limited supply of boxcar kits and fully built cars remain available for last-minute entries. Registration is mandatory for all participants — including returning racers from previous years — to assist coordinators in building accurate race brackets and maintaining the schedule. Interested participants can register online here.

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