ADAMS -- Naming the inspiration for the Pro Adams group’s newest brainchild, an event to beef up this year’s October festivities surrounding the Ramble up Mount Greylock, member David Bissaillon simply said: "If there’s any weekend Adams should own, it’s Columbus Day Weekend."
Bissaillon attended Wednesday night’s Selectmen’s meeting to announce the group’s initial plans for the event, called "Ramblefest," which has been scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 7 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Adams Visitors Center.
"The Events Committee does a terrific job with the annual Ramble. ... What we would like to do, once again, like we did for the Thunderbolt [Ski Race] weekend, is to compliment the great job that they do by now adding an event the day before the Ramble," Bissaillon said.
According to Bissaillon, Ramblefest will be modeled after this March’s Thunderfest, which featured food, local brews, live music and activities for children. Bissaillon also promised "a few surprises."
"We’re certainly excited about adding this fall event to make for another terrific weekend in Adams," Bissaillon said.
Town Administrator Jonathan Butler, also a member of Pro Adams, said a broader goal of the group is to "really brand these events."
"We want these events to not only be internally beneficial to the people of Adams, but really be on that Berkshire County calendar, on that regional
Butler said Ramblefest and similar events could be a "great opportunity" for other businesses and organizations to capitalize on extra traffic in town. He suggested that another town group tack on a third event to the weekend, offering up Friday night or Saturday morning.
Selectman Scott Nichols suggested closing a portion of Depot Street during Ramblefest to allow for more parking.
At Thunderfest, vendors set up shop in the Adams Visitors Center parking lot, eating into available parking. Nichols thought vendors might be better located along the road if it were closed. Butler said a new arrangement is being discussed.
"One of the goals of what we’re trying to do is take already established and successful events and enhance them with a second day," Bissaillon said. "Maybe down the road we’ll add a third day. If our master plan works, as we work with [Butler] and the town offices, it would be nice to have four or five major weekends each year in town with a lot of things going on. ... The goal is to benefit our local businesses, our residents and certainly our visitors."
To reach Phil Demers, email pdemers@thetranscript.com.
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