Downtown’s Big BashBy Susan Bush
12:00AM / Monday, August 22, 2005
North Adams – It’s an open invitation to party.
The Mayor’s Downtown Celebration is set to kick off at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, and thousands of people are expected to join the planned festivities along Main, Eagle, Holden, and the northern section of Ashland streets.
Sounds of Music
An abundance of musical performances are on the agenda. Family favorite David Grover and the Big Bear Band is scheduled to deliver a free concert at the Berkshire Plaza at 6 p.m.. Phil ‘N the Blanks have reunited for a downtown celebration performance and performances by groups such as the Dixie Cats, Champagne Jam, RU ready, the Berkshire Hills Chapter of the Sweet Adelines and the Flying Garbanzos are expected to keep the beat on the street.
Then and Now
History will be acknowledged during the celebration; local historian Paul Marino is scheduled to lead a historical Main Street walking tour beginning at 5 p.m.. The tour begins at an area across from the Mayor’s Office of Tourism at 6 West Main St.. Specially-designed “historical markers†are expected to be in place at specific downtown sites during the celebration.
Let's Cheer for Dance, Theater, and "Becoming Animal"
Karen’s School of Dance has planned a 5:45 p.m. celebration recital, and under the historic Mohawk Theater marquee, the Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art will host a “Becoming Animal†booth.
The Drury High School cheerleaders and dance team members are set to rev up energy levels through lively cheer and dance routines scheduled for 6 p.m. and 6:20 p.m., and the city-based Mill City Productions has scheduled a 7 p.m. live theater performance.
Calling All Kids
Youth activities and an information venue will be hosted by the Northern Berkshire Community Coalition. A “Fire Safety†house is set to be at the children’s area, and tours of the unit will be available. From 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., llamas from the West Mountain Farms are expected to be on display, and a child identification program is on the agenda as well.
Eats on the Streets
Palates should be pleased; about 24 local eateries and vendors are expected to set up savory shop on the street and offer a multitude of menu that includes pizza, hot dogs, hamburgers, and corn dogs as well as chicken dinners, polish-style fare, fired dough, and frozen confections. Food prices are expected to be family-friendly.
There is no admission charge to attend the celebration. Contests and giveaways are part of the action and the performances are free. For-sale items are included in the celebration.
From the Office of the Mayor....
Mayor John Barrett III launched the downtown event in 1996. The first celebration was organized as a commemoration celebrating the completion of a street, sidewalk, and lighting beautification project; the event drew an overwhelmingly positive response from area residents and has become a much-anticipated yearly social event.
A rain date of Thursday, Aug. 25, is scheduled in the event of inclement weather.
Additional information about the Mayor’s Downtown Celebration is available via e-mail at tourist@bcn.net or by calling the Mayor’s Office of Tourism at 413-664-6180.
Susan Bush may be reached via e-mail at suebush123@adelphia.net or at 802-823-9367.
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