GREENFIELD — “I’m a clown, I’m a clown, I’m a clown!” shouted one young onlooker, as she ran next to Melha Shrine clowns marching in this year’s parade to kick off the 168th Franklin County Fair.
The parade stepped off at 5 p.m., grand marshaled by 8-year-old Parker Beauregard, designer of the fair’s poster this year, and the Greenfield Fire Department, which received the honor for helping vendors comply with state fire codes.
Around 3 p.m., the same time the fair opened its gates to the 2016 season, the town middle school was bustling with activity as close to 100 groups organized marchers and put finishing touches on elaborate floats.
While waiting for festivities to begin, gymnastic students flipped on a balance beam on the Greenfield YMCA’s float, members of the Turners Falls High School band — including a few 5th and 6th graders — warmed up to “Slow Ride,” and the reigning suburban league football champs, the Franklin County Bulldogs, prepared for the almost 2-mile walk to the fair grounds.
“We’re a small band, but we’re very proud,” said Tatyana Torres, a junior at Turners Falls High School, about the school’s 15-member brass band.
Music performed by local schools and the town’s own military band floated through a cheering and boisterous crowd that lined the parade route. After marching down Main Street, the parade took a left at the Dunkin’ Donuts onto River Street, and marched on its way to the fairgrounds.
“This year we had one of our biggest parades,” Michael Nelson, parade director and vice president of the fair, said later as the last few marchers trekked past the judges booth at the fair grandstands. Nelson has been organizing the parade since 2007.
“Just a fantastic parade. The amount of energy people put into their floats and costumes is nothing short of amazing,” he added, “really happy with how everything turned out.”
The parade’s theme this year was “fun, family friendly fair.” Nelson said that floats reflected and were judged on that theme.
GVNA HealthCare’s float had a miniature barnyard, complete with goats. Kathi Curnick, a nurse with the nonprofit organization said the float also featured “the world’s largest ball of yarn.” Gaines Farm, which brought a train of cowcars all the way from Guliford, Vt.
Nelson said other notable entries included Baystate Franklin Medical Center and Buckley Health Care’s floats. He said both organizations enter creative floats every year.
According to the official Franklin County Fair parade rules, marchers were judged “based on originality, creativity, and expression of the parade theme.”
Entry classes included “agriculture, human service, antique vehicles (1982 or older), bands, performing arts, open (all others).” First, second, and third place prizes were awarded for each category.
The fair will be open starting at 8 a.m. through Sunday.
HUMAN SERVICES
First, Charlene Manor
Second, Buckley Healthcare
Third, Baystate Franklin Medical Center
AGRICULTURAL
First, Greenfield Savings Bank
Second, Pandora Pony Pals
Third, Gaines Farm
Open
First, Relay For Life Dick’s Angels
Second, Town of Greenfield Employees
Third, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America
ANTIQUE CARS
First, Richard Sanders
Second, Jim and Colby Martin
Third, Peter LaPlante
Performing Arts
First, Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts
Second, Pizazz Dance Studio
Third, North County Line Dancers
HIGH SCHOOL BAND
First, Pioneer Valley Regional School
Second, Greenfield High School
You can reach Andy Castillo
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