TURNERS FALLS — Spring is finally here and so is the village’s annual spring parade.
This year’s parade theme is “Under The Sea.” Floats will launch at 1 p.m. from Sheffield School on Saturday with help from the civic groups, businesses, schools and sports teams. The volunteer-fueled event is free and open to the public.
In the past, the parade has included antique cars, a drum line from Franklin County Technical School, a boat from the Franklin County Boat Club, an airplane from the Turners Falls Airport and a float from Relay For Life. Floats typically toss treats for kids, who could expect to go home at the end of the day with a bag of candy.
Organizers say the best place to watch the festivities is from Turners Falls High School, but bystanders can also watch anywhere along the route on Montague Street or Millers Falls Road. The Montague Police Department and the Turners Falls Fire Department also have space for residents to watch.
Covering roughly a 3-mile route, the parade will turn left onto Crocker Avenue and end back at Sheffield School. Homeowners along the parade route are encouraged to decorate their homes in the “Under The Sea” theme.
“We usually have half a dozen houses that are very enthusiastic,” said organizer Michael Nelson Nelson. “We encourage houses along the route to be part of the parade — that might mean having a barbeque in their front yard or decorating with the theme. We encourage people to go overboard, in a good way.”
The parade typically wraps up with the lights and sirens of fire trucks from several area fire departments.
There will be six awards for parade entries ranging from “Best Use of Theme” to “The Sweetest Antique Car,” said Nelson.
Cliff’s Smokin’ Backyard BBQ will serve food from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Crocker Avenue.
The Saturday festivities also include a 5K race. Runners are also encouraged to come in costume for the race, which will begin at Turners Falls High School at 11:30 a.m. Registration starts at 10 a.m. and costs $30. Kids ages 12 and under can participate for $15.
Proceeds from the race will benefit the Shea Theater, a cultural gem in the region that has undergone major renovations, organizer Kelsey Cadran said.
The race has eight sponsors, with Turners Falls paper company Southworth contributing the largest donation of $300.
The first 150 runners that register will receive a beach towel and a tote bag. People of all ages and abilities are welcome, Cadran said.
If the weather is bad, the parade could be rescheduled. For event updates, visit facebook.com/MontagueParade. Questions about the parade can be directed to michaelnelsonmba@gmail.com.