Northern Berkshires Cancel Fall Events
July 31, 2020 – Berkshire County – The City of North Adams, 1Berkshire, and ProAdams have made a collective decision to cancel the 2020 Fall Foliage Parade, Greylock Ramble, and RambleFest events. Due to gathering restrictions in place as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, it would not be possible for the 65th Fall Foliage Parade along with the 53rd Greylock Ramble and 9th Annual RambleFest to take place this October in a way that ensures the safety of residents, visitors, and participants. Combined, these cherished annual events have the potential to draw over 20,000 participants across the Northern Berkshires. In the interest of our communities, canceling these events for 2020 made the most sense for the City and Town as well as for the organizers and attendees.
“Every decision we have made in the interest of protecting public health and public safety in response to the COVID-19 pandemic comes at a cost to our community,” said North Adams Mayor Tom Bernard. “Whether it’s summer events, Fourth of July fireworks, or now the Fall Foliage Parade and other fall traditions in the Northern Berkshires I share everyone’s disappointment at canceling events that mean so much to our community. I know we all will miss the floats, the great school marching bands, and the chance to see our friends and neighbors along the parade route, but I also look forward to seeing that energy and spirit on display next year when North Adams hosts our next parade!”
“The volunteers of ProAdams are disappointed that we will not be able to continue these traditions in 2020,” said ProAdams Co-Chair Raymond Gargan. “However, we will continue to market Adams and Northern Berkshire as a great place to enjoy our beautiful fall foliage season. We look forward to bringing these events back in 2021.”
“I appreciate the difficult decisions made by the dedicated volunteers who are committed to making Adams and the North Berkshires a better place through annual events such as the Ramble and RambleFest,” stated Adams Town Administrator Jay Green.
Despite these difficult decisions, the Northern Berkshires welcomes residents and visitors to adhere to the safety precautions and social distancing guidelines and enjoy the natural beauty, culture, and cuisine offered in the region each fall. Each organization is looking forward to the fall of 2021, when they can once again bring these beloved events back to the community.
“It is disappointing for this region of the Berkshires, but a necessary decision. While we’re encouraged by the return of many important activities in our region, these popular events simply cannot be done responsibly in the current social distancing world that we reside,” said 1Berkshire President & CEO Jonathan Butler. “We’re hopeful that 2021 will return these traditions in even bigger and better ways.”
About 1Berkshire
1Berkshire is a county-wide organization focused on economic development and promotion of the region as a preferred place to visit, to live, and to grow a business. It provides programs that connect businesses with each other and with potential customers and works to develop future leaders and support entrepreneurs. For more information, visit 1Berkshire.com.
About ProAdams
ProAdams is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2011 by a group of Adams residents with the mission to promote and honor the quality and character, spark growth, and create vibrancy in the Town of Adams. For more information, visit ExploreAdams.com
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