ADAMS, Mass. — The Adams Street Fair is marking its fifth year with fireworks, more entertainment and a nod to the '80s.

 

The fair, which raises funds for first-responders, was approved by the Selectmen on Wednesday for a Sept. 13 date. 

 

"The reason why we're doing this early is because it's our fifth anniversary," said founder and organizer Joseph Martin. "So we're going really big this year. We have fireworks. ...

 

"We have a stage coming from Pittsfield, because this year we have for our main entertainment ...  we have a band from Connecticut."

 

Martin said the fair had just booked Sticky Sweet, a Def Leppard tribute band that played at the Stationery Factory in Dalton on Saturday. A local band will open for the group and ventriloquist Al Getler, who appeared last fall at the Cummington Fair, will perform three family shows.

 

The fair will run from 2 to 8 p.m., which will give people time to find a good place to watch the fireworks at 9 p.m.

 

"The reason why we wanted to do this early is we have buttons now that we're going to be selling in different places," Martin said. "They're $1 a piece. ... we have months, months and months to sell them. So we we made up 10,000 buttons. And on the bottom, you'll see they have numbers. So at the street fair at eight o'clock, we're going to pull three numbers."

 

The winner will get $300, second prize $150 and third prize $50. Proceeds will benefit first responders. Martin said a circus is also planned for July 29 and 30 and the group is in talks with the Adams Police Association and the Diocese of Springfield to bring a carnival to the Mill Street Field.

 

"We just have to get everything approved and and the money goes to the Adams Police Association and the Adams Street Fair," Martin said. "So we got a lot going on."

 

The fair was approved for use of the Visitors' Center, Depot Street and the west end of Hoosac Street and use of the Valley Street Field for fireworks, signage and a Sunday entertainment license. The fair is set for Saturday, Sept. 13, with a rain date of Sunday, Sept. 14. The fair has some other permits/licenses to get prior to the event. 

 

ProAdams was also approved for use of the Visitors' Center for the annual Thunderfest on Saturday, March 22, and a one-day liquor license for Bounti-Fare to serve at the event from noon to 5 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, March 23.