Join Us for the Annual Fall Foliage Parade in North Adams
Nights are cooling and days are beginning to shorten. The leaves are starting to turn and the air feels crisp with anticipation. Fall is a special time of year in the Berkshires marked by apple cider and donuts, harvest festivals and pumpkin patches, corn mazes and downtown celebrations – including the 66th annual Fall Foliage Parade in Northern Berkshire County! Co-hosted by the city of North Adams and 1Berkshire, this beloved event marks the kickoff of the autumnal season. And you won’t want to miss the fun fall festivities on Sunday, October 2nd!
Wayne Arnold
Want to enter a float or walk as a club, sports team, business, or any other group? Sign up here! There are other ways to participate, too. The parade is always in need of volunteers to carry banners, give directions, assist with parking, help with organization, and more. If you would like to make a donation – perhaps in honor or memory of a loved one – you can do so here, or sign up to be a parade sponsor. You can also be a patron and show up on the day of the event to enjoy the festivities and cheer from the sidelines.
This year’s playful theme is “Holidays on Parade,” allowing float builders and parade marchers to celebrate any and all holidays, from annual traditions to daily fun.
The parade route is the same as it was in 2021, beginning at the intersection of State Street and Old State Street, and ending at the intersection of Ashland Street and Washington Ave. The 1.2-mile route is mostly flat, making it easily walkable for all ages and abilities. Find the details and parade map here.
The Kings
The 2022 Grand Marshals are The Arnolds and The Kings, two families who have brought good cheer and a festive spirit to the City of North Adams for decades. Over 30 years ago, Wayne Arnold began decorating his East Main Street house with a few porch lights. The tradition has grown into a display of thousands of sparkling lights. From 1986 to 2015, MaryAnn and Leon King have dressed as Mr. and Mrs. Claus for the City of North Adams’ tree lighting. They continue to volunteer and make appearances for various groups and organizations. Both Grand Marshals are a testament to the goodwill and community devotion these citizens have shown over the years. 1Berkshire and the City of North Adams are thrilled to honor them during this year’s parade. Read more here.
We hope you will attend “Holidays on Parade,” on Sunday, October 2nd at 1PM. Special thanks to all our sponsors and donors, especially our Platinum Sponsor, MountainOne.