North Adams Fall Foliage Weekend Is Here

What I consider to be the most fun weekend of the year in the Berkshires is here. North Adams will be alive with family events leading up to Sunday's Fall Foliage Festival Parade.

There's a Children's Parade today at 5:30 on Main St. from Eagle to City Hall. Kids are encouraged to come dressed to represent this year's theme: "There's No Place Like Home in the Berkshires." It's a call-back to the film classic "The Wizard of Oz", so there's no telling how many little Dorothys, Scarecrows, or Cowardly Lions we'll see, not to mention Munchkins, considering the size of many marchers.

Saturday, the dogs get their day with the 9th annual Dog Parade starting at 10:30 from the Veterans Memorial Park on Eagle St. & Route 2. Will any doggies be wearing ruby red slippers? It's also Bring Your Dog to Market Day at the North Adams Farmers Market, which will include animal themed products and rescue agencies among the usual group of vendors. The market is open from 9 A.M.-1 P.M. in the St.Anthony Municipal Parking Lot off Marshall St. I've also heard that at 11 A.M. right across the street, outside St.Elizabeth of Hungary Church, Father Dariusz will be conducting the Annual Blessing of the Animals. All creatures are welcome and will receive treats from parishioners.

A relatively new addition to the weekend is Saturday's "Fall Foliage Brew 'n Chew, Fall Craft Fair, and Miner Combat's Dancing in the Street" which is all that the name implies. Artisan & crafter booths, local beer, wine and food for sale, fun activities, and Jack's Hot Dog Eating Competition to benefit PopCares. A full day of fun on Main St. from Noon-5.

Take a quick detour from downtown & you'll find the VFW Post 996 Fall Bazaar going on from 9-3 at the Post on the Mohawk Trail. And at 11 A.M. there's the 3rd annual Humvee Push Challenge to benefit Special Olympics Massachusetts, in the Walmart lot on Curran Highway.

It all leads up to Sunday's 64th Annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade, presented by 1Berkshire. Marching units, bands, floats and more set off at 1 P.M. from the Ocean State Job Lots parking lot on Curran Highway and head up to Main St., marching onto Ashland St. before winding up at the High Rise. I'll be piloting the WNAW vehicle once again, looking forward to seeing you there.