Page updated August 8, 2007
Parade Chairman Rachel Arruda announced 13 bands have already agreed to march in the Autumnfest parade. Emphasizing this is only a partial list, Arruda released the names of contracted bands.
Bellingham High School, Burrillville High School, East Providence High School and North Smithfield High School bands will be marching and performing. Other musical ensembles include Clan MacPherson Irish band, Colonial Pipers Bagpipe Band, 88th Army Band, Hills-Mills Comedy Clown Band, Ichabod Crane Marching Band from Valatie, New York, Munroe Dairy band, Providence Brass Band and St. Kevin’s Emerald Knights.
Arruda encourages groups and organizations who wish to participate in the parade to call 401 769 5056 for information or go the website at www.autumnfest.org.
The committee reminds visitors to Autumnfest about the new hours of the event. Autumnfest will close Autumnfest at 9:30pm on both Saturday and Sunday nights. The time change from 10:00pm to 9:30pm was result of discussions to make the event more secure for attendees. All main stage entertainment will end at 9:00pm with amusement rides, vendors and beer garden closing at 9:30.
The committee again voted to ask visitors to Autumnfest to buy a button upon entering the park. The voluntary offering will be coordinated by the Woonsocket Quota Club who will place club members in three locations within the park. The grand prize for Autumnfest is a trip for two to Orlando, Florida for 5 days and 4 nights. The prize is donated by radio station of WNRI.
The committee finalized plans for a fifties dance/beer and dynamite fundraiser. Soda and coffee will be available for noon beer drinkers. Presented by the Woonsocket Elks Lodge #850, tickets are still available at WNRI and WOON radio stations or from committee member Flo Bourget at (401) 765-0468. Donation is $12.00 dollars per person.
Plans are moving forward for the 2007 Autumnfest for Columbus Day weekend October 6th, 7th,and 8th. This will be the 29th celebration of the event.
Suzanne Bourget, button co-chair, announced that Autumnfest buttons will be available for purchase on June 1st. The grand prize this year is a vacation for two in Orlando, Florida for four days and three nights with airfare and hotel included donated by radio station WNRI.
Florian Bourget, fundraising chair, announced the Woonsocket Elks Club is sponsoring a 50's oldies dance with beer and dynamite on August 11th at the Elks Club. The 6:00 PM event will feature prizes, raffles and a 50/50 split the pot raffle. The cost is $12.00 per person. Special DJ's for the evening include John Gregory, Roger Bouchard and Jeff Gamache of WNRI. Tickets will be available shortly. All the proceeds will benefit the Autumnfest festival.
Bourget who also co-chairs the Kidfest event announced that Poppy Town Puppets and Music will offer multiple puppet shows each days at Autumnfest. This professional family oriented show combines the magic of puppets and the excitement of live music. The show features "Peepers" a four-foot tall magic bird that meets and greets visitors to the festival. Bourget also announced pony rides will be available to boys and girls attending the event.
Bourget also announced that WNRI radio personality Dave Dean will host the Kidfest event and announce all the events during the weekend.
Rachel Beausoleil, arts and crafts chairman, announced that letters to previous exhibitors have been sent and crafters have been responding for exhibition space. To purchase space to display and crafts, exhibitors are encourage to call Rachel at (401) 766-3617 to get an application mailed. Applications can also be downloaded from the Autumnfest website at www.autumnfest.org.
Rachel Arruda, parade chair, announced that the ten-division parade has six bands already committed. Groups or persons interested in participating in the parade can reach Rachel at (401) 769-5056. Floats and marching are encouraged to respond early. Applications for parade participation can be downloaded from the Autumnfest website at www.autumnfest.org
The committee also selected a grand marshal to lead the parade on Columbus Day. The grand marshal reception to honor the designee will be held on October 2, 2007 at the Bank of America branch at Cummings Way. The name of the grand marshal will be revealed at a later date.
Roger Picard tendered his resignation to the committee due to time constrainsts but will participate as stage coordinator during the event.
Fanelli Amusements has again been selected to operate the midway rides both on the beach and Kidfest. Updated information on Autumnfest is available at www.autumnfest.org.
Page updated August 8, 2007 |