NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The downpour stopped long enough Friday evening to allow the Fall Foliage Children's Parade to march down Main Street in North Adams. The drizzle was enough to make the Drury High School band bow out.
But the children were real troopers, with 57 registered and walking in the parade. Once again the costumes were wonderful with lots of heroes (the festival's theme this year was "Our Heroes") including mothers, firefighters, teachers, police, astronauts, cowboys, chefs and more. Slider from the North Adams SteepleCats greeted the kids as they waited for the parade to start and marched with them.
A North Adams Police cruiser led the way and a pair of officers on bike patrol pulled up the rear. Rep. Daniel E. Bosley led the parade down Main Street as a small but very passionate crowd cheered on the kids as they marched to City Hall. Greeting the kids at City Hall was Mayor Richard Alcombright, Rod Bunt from the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Christine Hoyt from the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, City Councilor Lisa Blackmer and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing.
All participants received ribbons and were recognized for their spirit, creativity and coming out on a gloomy evening. Plus, trophies and gift certificates were awarded in various categories.
Thanks were offered to Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts students and Pi Upsilon Omega sorority members Rebecca MCauley, Joanna Gillis, Melanie Callanan, Jessica Krason, Colleen Whalen, Anita Alvarez, Noal Fafard, Jaynelle Bellemore and Madison Hogan, and Kappa Delta Phi sorority members Jessica Fratus, Alyssa LaManna, Kasey Harrington, Sara Giovine, Shelby Ferriere and Emily Minns for their help in setting up, registration, judging and cleaning up at the end.
Groups 1st NAFD: Emily Feder and Taia Byers
2nd: The Chef and his lobster, friends Liliana Pisano and Dominick Pisano
Floats
1st: Teachers (including their class pet): Jackson Harnick, Danielle Harnick, Alyssa Russell, Ainsley Russell, Daphne Catelotti
2nd: Moms Hayden Gillooly, Julia Cellanna, Caroline Cellanna, Emma Polumbo, Josh Polumbo, Sarah Polumbo, Will McDonough, Ben McDonough
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:: Preliminary Election: Deadline to register is Wednesday, Sept. 7. (Office open from 8 to 8.)
:: General Election: Deadline to register is Tuesday, Oct. 18
Registration can be completed at the city clerk's office at City Hall.
Absentee ballots are now available at the city clerk's office for the Sept. 27 preliminary city election. Voters may come in between the hours of 8 and 4:30 weekdays. Written reguests for mailed ballots can be sent to City Clerk's Office, 10 Main St., North Adams, MA 01247. Deadline for absentee ballots is Monday, Sept. 26, at noon.
The preliminary election will be held Tuesday, Sept. 27, to narrow the field of three mayoral candidates to two. The general election to select nine city councilors and a mayor will be held Tuesday, Nov. 8.
A North Adams Police cruiser led the way and a pair of officers on bike patrol pulled up the rear. Rep. Daniel E. Bosley led the parade down Main Street as a small but very passionate crowd cheered on the kids as they marched to City Hall. Greeting the kids at City Hall was Mayor Richard Alcombright, Rod Bunt from the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Christine Hoyt from the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce, City Councilor Lisa Blackmer and Sen. Benjamin B. Downing. 
Individual Costumes
1st NAFD: Emily Feder and Taia Byers