Autumnfest parade in Woonsocket
By: Melissa Randall
@MRandallABC6
The 38th Autumnfest parade started out with a bang. The performers wowed the thousands of people who came out on the chilly Columbus Day morning to cheer them on.
“Ah the kid at heart I suppose. Everybody loves a parade,” said one woman.
“I’m a parade girl. I just love parades,” said another lady who has been coming to the parade since it started.
The show is 2 ½ miles and stretches from Diamond Hill Rd. to Social St. in Woonsocket. For many people in attendance the fest is an annual tradition. Parade chair Linda Plays says the crowds began lining up around 6 this morning. The parade didn’t start until 9:30.
“They have for years their family has always been in the same spot and they continue to do so. They have their chairs, parties, food,” she explained.
The parade is made up of 10 divisions. The performances range from local community groups like the scouts to first responders and of course the local bands.
“I like the candy and I like the cars going by,” said one little girl from Woonsocket.
The parade went off with out a hitch thanks to the hard work of so many. Those behind the scenes like Chairman Jeff Gamache say the crowd’s positive response makes years worth of planning worth it.
“It’s about giving the community a chance to smile a chance to reunite a chance to just get together and have fun,” he said.
Autumnfest also includes amusement rides, a food court, arts and crafts. Magician David Garrity and Panfilov’s pet show performance also returned Monday.
The hours have been extended through 9 pm. Fireworks shoot off at 8.
© WLNE-TV 2016
