CONWAY — As bubbles floated through the air and people old and young cheered in the crowds, parade entry after entry made its way through the center of Conway and through Pumpkin Hollow.
The parade was one of the final events of the 250th anniversary of Conway, which included three days of events for residents and visitors alike. It included roughly 60 entries from all over Western Mass. and ran for about two hours Sunday afternoon.
Nancy Delabarre watched the parade from her yard with her husband. The two live in the Pumpkin Hollow area of Conway that was recently damaged by the state’s first February tornado. The Delabarres are among many who are still rebuilding or repairing portions of their houses.
“It could have been so much worse,” she said. “Everyone has been so supportive.”
Planning for the Sestercentennial weekend started about five years ago, according to organizer Heidi Flanders. Three years out, ideas were pinned down and fund raising efforts began. The event spanned the entire weekend, with food and alcohol vendors, fireworks, shows, cannon firings and activities throughout town.
Flanders estimated that throughout the weekend, more than 4,000 people attended events.
She grew up in town (her parents were part of the committee that planned the celebration as well) and said one of the best parts of the weekend was seeing former residents return for the celebration. She said she saw many people around town with their grown children.
“Everyone brought their family back home to where they grew up,” she said.
Flanders said the weekend offered a glimpse of what life is Conway is like to those visiting from other towns.
Michael Haley was the announcer for the parade and helped orchestrate the performances this week and last week. At the microphone across from town hall, he announced each entry to the parade and made jokes along the way.
Also during the parade, he shared some advice to those in town for the weekend.
“Don’t forget folks, if you don’t have a Conway near you, you should move,” he said.
Reach Miranda Davis at: 413-772-0261, ext. 280
or mdavis@recorder.com.