NORTH ADAMS - The Berkshire Chamber of Commerce and the city of North Adams are proud to announce that Bruce Hayden has been named Grand Marshal of the 57th Annual Fall Foliage Festival Parade, to be held on Sunday, Sept. 30. This year’s parade features "Toys on Parade in Northern Berkshire," a fun, festive theme sure to bring out the child in all attendees.
"After many years of asking, Bruce Hayden has finally accepted the parade committee’s invitation to serve as the Grand Marshal," said Parade Director, Christine Hoyt. "Each year, I am amazed at how Bruce is able to create a float to match the theme. On behalf of the parade committee, I am delighted to be able to honor and recognize Bruce in this way." Since the beginning of the Northern Berkshire Fall Foliage Festival, the Hayden family has been an integral part of the planning of and participation in the parade. Bruce was 18 years old when he began building floats, as a means to continue the tradition that his father, Francis H. Hayden, began.
With the help of his float-building crew, and the support from employers LaValley Oil and West Oil, Bruce has been able to continue to build floats year after year. Bruce continues to participate in the parade and build floats because he enjoys "putting smiles on people’s faces." The 57th Fall Foliage Festival Parade is coordinated by the Berkshire Chamber of Commerce. "The Berkshire Chamber
Each year, the Berkshire Chamber commissions Bruce to create the Chamber float, and we are so pleased to recognize him for all of his contributions. " The parade will step off on Sunday, September 30, 2012 at 1:00 PM from the Walmart parking lot and continue down Curran Highway before winding through downtown North Adams. Thousands of Berkshire residents and visitors enjoy the annual parade, which commemorates the magnificent autumn season.
"I am so pleased that Bruce Hayden is the Grand Marshal of this year’s Fall Foliage Parade. Bruce and the Hayden family have, over the years, provided tremendous support for the parade and the community at large," said Mayor Richard Alcombright. "I have had the pleasure of building parade floats with Bruce and he is, in my mind, the Grand Wizard of float building in this area. Bruce, who sports a perpetual smile, is not only my friend, but a true friend to the entire community. I am certain he will continue to bring creativity and vibrancy to our parade and our region for many more years to come." With so many tasks still ahead, the committee welcomes volunteers to help with the parade effort. This is a perfect opportunity to bring together your group and show your support for this annual event.
For more information on the parade or to volunteer, call Christine Hoyt at (413) 499-4000, ext. 126, or visit www.fallfoliageparade.com.
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