ADAMS -- Ideal weather and a strong turnout are expected for Monday's 45th annual Mount Greylock Ramble, a town staple that will boast a new satellite celebration this year with Sunday's Ramblefest.
Hikers braving the 6.6-mile round-trip Monday to the commonwealth's highest high and back can expect sunny skies with partial cloud cover and temperatures in the mid-50s, though it will be a bit cooler atop the 3,491-foot summit.
It's weather many would call perfect for hiking.
"It's looking like we might get a beautiful day," said Ramble organizer Haley Meczywor of the Events Committee.
What also has organizers and town officials excited this year is a perceived uptick in interest surrounding the event.
Town promotion group Pro Adams bested efforts put forth in previous years to spread word about the Ramble with advertisements, signs and billboards throughout the county and beyond.
Selectmen's Chair Arthur "Skip" Harrington said he's been peppered with questions from the public about the event while volunteering at the Adams Visitors Center in recent weeks.
"A lot of people are coming and asking about the Ramble," Harrington said. "People from all over and [out of state]. I really think we're going to have a lot of people up there this year."
Organizers and officials hope to top last year's estimated figure of 3,000 hikers. A shuttlebus will be transporting hikers from Maple Street to the foot of the
Once up top, this year's participants will have an improved spread of food to choose from, courtesy of Mount Greylock's Bascom Lodge.
Lodge manager and chef John Dudek said an addition this year is that everything -- burgers, hot-dogs, humus sandwiches, grilled cheese -- will be made fresh to order.
Other menu items include homemade chili, clam chowder and butternut squash soup, as well as cookies, pastries, coffee and tea.
Referring to last year's sweltering 76-degree temperatures, Dudek said this year's forecast is more par for the course.
"Right now, it's more like a classic Columbus Day weekend -- in that it's raining," Dudek said Thursday. "But for Monday we're expecting a nice, sunny autumn day, likely in the mid-40s up here, because mid-50s is expected in the valley."
Adams Forest Wardens, Department of Conservation and Recreation staff and medical personnel will be on the mountain for the event. Those wanting to drive to summit will be subject to a $2 parking fee.
Ramblefest -- a preceding celebration planned for Sunday -- is also new this year. It will be held at the Adams Visitors Center from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., rain or shine. Food vendors, beer, games, live music, activities for children and more are planned.
At noon before the celebration, the Thunderbolt Ski Runners are prepared cut the ribbon on a new Thunderbolt Ski Race-themed display in the center.
The exhibit features photographs, multimedia and memorabilia concerning the trail and its famed race, collected for months by members of the group.
Another addition this year is that the Adams Historical Society will borrow North Adams' trolley to conduct tours covering the downtown during Ramblefest.
Society president Eugene Michalenko will act as guide, while members James Loughman, Virginia Duval and Juliette Wilk-Chaffe have prepared to assume the identities of various town historical figures. Tours include stops at the Adams Free Library, Victory Street at Summer Street and Town Hall.
To reach Phil Demers, email
pdemers@thetranscript.com.
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