NORTH ADAMS
Wednesday started and today will finish a pair of pronounced changes on two of the city's main thoroughfares -- one that is sticking around for a while and another that is done and gone often before people have had their fill.
Diagonal parking on Main Street
Late Wednesday night saw the stripes painted for the shift to diagonal parking on the north side of Main Street, between Eagle and Holden streets.
From our Main Street newsroom on Thursday, it appeared things went smoothly for the first day of this trial run that lasts through June 2013. While there were many both in favor and against this idea when it was proposed, we encourage everyone to keep their minds and eyes open as we all grow accustomed to the new set-up. With some care, this can be a smooth transition.
We have said in these columns before that this shift is a good move for a variety of reasons -- chiefly, convenience and its encouraging influence on visitors to make a stop on Main Street -- and we still hold that to be true.
The Eagle Street Beach Party and Mexican Fiesta
Right around the corner, the 14th annual Eagle Street Beach Party kicks off today at 3:30 p.m., with its adult counterpart, the third annual Mexican Fiesta, starting at 7 p.m. With sand spread curb to curb on Eagle Street, North County residents can once again enjoy the beach popping up like an oasis downtown.
The beach party portion provides a unique
And for those looking for something to do in the early afternoon, local artist Eric Rudd, creator of the beach, said volunteers are needed at 1:30 to shovel the sand donated by Specialty Minerals.
The adult Mexican Fiesta, only in its third year, rounds out the evening to allow the adults to have a margarita in the sand after the kids have had their fun. We think this second act to the night is a smart expansion that makes this perennial event all inclusive, not just a family party.
City Councilor and Develop North Adams Board Member Keith Bona said recently there is hope in the future to expand the use of this urban beach by adding a second day for another event.
We certainly hope that becomes the case in the near future as we have seen the success of this event grow over the years and know that it draws residents from throughout North County to enjoy a night in the city's downtown.
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