Floats sought for Celebrate the Harvest Parade

ORANGE — The Orange Business Association is encouraging groups and organizations to participate in this year’s 26th Celebrate the Harvest Parade. The annual event, which includes the parade, car show and craft fair, will be held Sunday, Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Orange Municipal Airport on East River Street.

After experiencing two years of rain during the event, Ken Reynolds said residents have been apprehensive to construct a float for this year’s event. Reynolds, who has coordinated the parade for the past 15 years, said he is hopeful for a sunny day.

“The last couple of years we have gotten rained out. So people have done nice looking floats and then it rains and ruins their floats. I’m hoping I can bring back people this year – it can’t (rain) three years in a row,” he said.

Each year the parade has a theme, this year being “Fall Festival of Lights,” chosen by a sixth-grader from Ralph C. Mahar Regional School.

According to Reynolds the theme last year was “Castle Rock,” in support of the 10-episode Stephen King-inspired Hulu series that was filmed in Orange last year. The series released on Hulu, a subscription video-on-demand service, back in July.

So far Reynolds said four organizations plan to participate, including both the Athol Lions Club and the Orange Lions Club.

Participants have the chance to take home awards for their float, from best use of color, best harvest theme, best use of natural materials to judges’ choice.

At least 60 vendors have reserved space for the Celebrate the Harvest event, including food and craft vendors. An estimated 500 cars will participate in the North Quabbin Cruisers’ car show. The parade will start at 1 p.m. that day. The parade lineup will appear in the Athol Daily News.

Those interested in participating are asked to contact Reynolds at ken.reynolds55@yahoo.com or at 978-544-3042.