ADAMS, Mass. — ThunderFest will return as an in-person event on Saturday, March 26 from noon to 5 p.m, outdoors at the Adams Visitor Center at 3 Hoosac Street. 

 

Admission is free to a day of live music, vendors, and family activities.  

 

"We've used the slogan 'Cure Your Cabin Fever' for years," said Erin Mucci, Co-Chair of ProAdams, "But this March,  after nearly two years of pandemic restrictions and a long, cold winter, cabin fever is probably running high right now. So, we're hoping for a big turn out."

 

ThunderFest will feature two musical acts. At noon Trevor Wheelock will play. from 2:30 to 5 p.m., SHYNE, a multi-genre band will play

 

Hot food, local beers and wines will be available. More than twenty vendors and exhibitors will offer crafts, outdoor recreation, local food, services and information from non-profit organizations. Activities for kids will be offered and leashed pets are welcome. 

 

Berkshire Scenic Railway Museum will offer four runs of the "Snow Train" from Adams Station to North Adams and back. Vintage railroad posters will be on display and an educational presentation will be given on the history of Snow Trains that brought skiers to Adams and the Berkshires starting in the 1930s.  

 

"We're very excited to welcome Berkshire Scenic Railway's Snow Train to ThunderFest again this year," said Ray Gargan of ProAdams. "It will be like taking a train ride back in time and their educational presentation will be an entertaining way to learn about our local history." Adams Station is located directly across Hoosac Street from the festival.

 

ThunderFest was created to honor and promote the historic Thunderbolt Ski Run, a Class A downhill ski trail down the precipitous east face of Mount Greylock. Originally built in the 1930s, the trail became a popular destination for serious skiers. Annual races brought competitors from as far away as Europe. With the advent of ski areas with rope tows and chair lifts,, the Thunderbolt fell into disuse. In the early 2000s, a group of local backcountry skiers called the Thunderbolt Ski Runners restored the trail and eventually brought back annual ski races to Mount Greylock. The race this year was canceled due to dangerous conditions.

 

ThunderFest is is sponsored by Adams Community Bank, Aladco, and Berkshire Gas, plus volunteers.

 

For more information, please visit http://www.exploreadams.com/thunderfest