Sunday, October 1, 2023 at 1PM
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.

2023 Theme:
“Once Upon a Time in North Berkshire” celebrating children’s books and fairytales

Jim Holmes has been selected as the 2023 Grand Marshal. This honor celebrates Holmes decade long dedication to education in North Berkshire.

Jim Holmes has been connected to education in North Berkshire for decades having served as a teacher, a school committee member, and most recently working with the North Adams Police Department on its reading with the department program. In 2013, Jim was to be selected Teacher of the Year.

While working at (then) North Adams State College, Jim decided to begin a career in education.  He earned his degree in 1996 and began a 20-year career teaching. As a retiree, Jim is a substitute teacher at St Stanislaus Kostka School. He credits his family, in particular his best friend and significant other Denise, and his daughters Jessica, Stephany, and Allyson, with giving him the support to pursue his dreams and remain involved all these years.

This year’s parade route is 1.2 miles and mostly flat, making the parade more walkable for all ages and abilities. The shorter parade route is also less of a time commitment for participants.

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, same as last year.
NOTE: Due to the starting location and staging area, through traffic is able to detour on Old State Street to access parts of Curran Highway. The road will be fully shut down along the parade route starting at 12:30 pm.

1. 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. Click here to sign up to volunteer today.
2. Sponsor!  The Fall Foliage Parade is made possible through the generous donations of businesses and individuals.  Click here to sponsor today.
3. Be in the Parade!

• • Sign up to march in the parade.
  • Candidate for Elected Office Participation Form
  • Parade Float Specifications

1. Be a spectator 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)
2. Watch on Community Television channel 1301. Thank you to Northern Berkshire Community Television for their annual broadcast of the parade.
3. Watch the live stream on Community Television, channel 1301.

Here is a list of events happening between now and the 67th Annual Fall Foliage Parade on Sunday, October 1, 2023. Contact the North Adams Office of Tourism to learn more about this year’s Fall Foliage Festival Events!