Each year, 1Berkshire collaborates with the city of North Adams to host a festive, inclusive, and vibrant downtown parade celebrating all things autumnal in the Berkshires. The entire community is invited to participate in this beloved event, which takes place on the first Sunday of October.
Celebrate 70 years of tradition with this year’s Fall Foliage Parade theme:
In honor of the parade’s 70th Anniversary, we’re inviting you to take a journey through the decades and celebrate the people, places, and moments that have shaped our communities. Bring history to life with creative floats, imaginative costumes, and memorable displays inspired by North Berkshire’s rich past, vibrant present, and exciting future.
Register your entry today and be part of this milestone celebration. Then gather along the parade route and join us as 70 years of memories roll by in motion.
The parade route is 1.2 miles and mostly flat, making the parade more walkable for all ages and abilities.
Starting Point
Intersection of State Street and Old State Street
Lineup
Curran Highway between DiSanti Field (north point) to United Cerebral Palsy (south point); roughly 400 Curran Highway to 535 Curran Highway
Ending Point
Intersection of Ashland Street and Washington Ave.
Volunteer!
We are always looking for help. From planning to carrying banners and other day-of tasks, there is a way for everyone to help out. Sign up here to volunteer!
Sponsor!
The Fall Foliage Parade is made possible through the generous donations of businesses and individuals. Fill out this form for more sponsorship information.
Be in the Parade!
Apply to participate in the Parade here.
Looking to enter a float, learn more about the float specifications here.
Candidates For Elected Office Participation: Candidates will be allowed to march only (not vehicular transportation) with a maximum of two supporters. To apply to participate in the parade, click here.
Be a Live Spectator!
Watch the parade along the 1.2 mile parade route from the intersection of State Street and Old State Street, along Main Street, to the intersection of Ashland Street and Washington Ave. (Parade map)
Watch on TV
Catch the parade on Community Television channel 1301. Thank you to Northern Berkshire Community Television for their annual broadcast of the parade.
NOTE: The Fall Foliage Parade Committee is working with the North Adams Police Department on public safety for the Fall Foliage Festival and Parade. The police will be working on street postings, road closings, detours, and all safety precautions. Road closures will be announced by the City of North Adams and the North Adams Police Department and shared on this page.
Starting at midnight on October 4th the following streets will be posted with “NO PARKING” signs: Main, Church, lower Eagle, State, Ashland, Blackinton, and Porter Streets.
Check out all the ways to participate, get involved, attend, and more as we celebrate 70 years of the Fall Foliage Parade in Northern Berkshire! This milestone year is a big accomplishment, and there are plenty of ways to help keep this beloved Berkshire tradition in motion.
Learn More
Since moving to the Berkshires, Doug Yriart has spent the past 10 years volunteering with the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade Committee, helping keep one of the region’s most beloved traditions moving forward.
Parade Coordinator Christine Hoyt stated, “Over the past 10 years, Doug has become such an important part of the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade family. He is always willing to pitch in, solve a problem, and do whatever it takes to help make the parade a success.” Hoyt continued by saying, “As Parade Coordinator, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside him, and I couldn’t be happier to see him take his place at the front of the parade this year. We are incredibly grateful for his dedication and friendship, and we can’t think of a more deserving person to help us celebrate 70 Years in Motion.”
Yriart brings a lifetime of service, leadership, and community involvement to this year’s parade. A retired U.S. Naval Reserve Captain, he was recalled to active duty three times, most recently in 1991, when he served with the Navy Emergency Coordination Center, Bureau of Naval Personnel. He also retired as a Chief Engineer with the U.S. Civil Service under the Civil Service Retirement System. His commitment to community extends well beyond his professional career. While living in Virginia, Yriart was a founding member of the McLean Community Theater, where he later served as both President and Treasurer.
After a decade of volunteering behind the scenes, this year Doug will take his place at the front of the parade as part of the 70th Annual Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade, helping celebrate a tradition he has worked so hard to keep in motion.
Learn More
Franklin Risatti, in memory of John Gibeau (Colonel USAF), Drury ’61
Jean Veazie, in honor of Edward Veazie
Robert Bona
Peter Belouin, in honor of Stephen
Carol Graves, in memory of Donald A. Graves
Joe & Colleen Rossi, in honor of Suzanne & Bob Ross and Inez & Joe Rossi
Robert St.Pierre, in memory of Paul St. Pierre
Al & Lorraine Mancuso
David & MaryBeth Kennedy
Maralyn Brown, in memory of Stanley L. Brown
Join the fun with events happening between now and the 70th Annual Fall Foliage Parade! Explore the full line-up. 
Learn all about the history of the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Parade! Click below to explore past parade themes, Grand Marshals, and committees.
