MONTAGUE — From Harry Potter to Harry Houdini – all things magical are welcome at the ninth annual Franklin County Spring Parade.
On Saturday, the annual parade and 5K will be held in Turners Falls.
The parade will make a three-mile loop, beginning at 1 p.m. at Sheffield School on Crocker Avenue. It will take a left onto Montague Street, travel to the end, and turn left onto Turnpike Road. The parade will go past the Turners Falls High School, and take a left onto Millers Falls Road. At Scotty’s Convenience Store, the parade will turn left onto High Street and end back at Sheffield.
Before the parade will be the Franklin County Spring 5K, taking place at 11:30 a.m. and beginning at Turners Falls High School. Participants may walk or run, and the event will benefit Just Roots in Greenfield.
There will be prizes for the top male and female finishers first, second and third, as well as age range winners both male and female. There is also a prize for best costume. Day of registration is $30, cash or check accepted. Contact for the 5K is FCSpring5k@gmail.com.
While the 5K is rain or shine, the parade may be postponed until Sunday in the event of bad weather.
Anyone is welcome to watch both of the events and can do so anywhere along the route. The Turners Falls Fire Department and the high school are popular locations to watch.
Houses along the parade route are encouraged to decorate in accordance to the magical theme, and prizes will be given to the best decorated houses.
Houses along the parade route will be given the following awards:
■Biggest crowd.
■Best use of theme.
■Most incredible prop decoration.
■Best food and beverages.
■Best 5K pit stop.
■Parade entries will be judged for the following awards:
■Best use of theme (Adult).
■Best use of theme (Youth).
■Largest group of participants.
■Most spirited group.
■Sweetest antique car.
■Most creative entry.
Each year, approximately 35 entries participate in the parade, including people from civic groups, school groups, antique cars, the Shriners and public safety vehicles.
All interested groups are welcome to march; however, all entries must be registered ahead of time. For parade registration information, email Michael Nelson at michaelnelsonmba@gmail.com
Reach Melina Bourdeau at mbourdeau@recorder.com or 413-772-0261 ext. 263.