Autumnfest Parade line-up nearly complete

WOONSOCKET — The 40th Autumnfest Parade will take place on Monday, Oct. 8, 2018, Columbus Day, in Woonsocket.

The parade route is 2.5 miles, departing Diamond Hill Plaza on Diamond Hill Road, Woonsocket at 9:30 a.m., and ending on Worrall Street, near the Woonsocket Post Office. Providing tremendous exposure for the participants, the entire 10-division parade is filmed and later broadcast on the public access channels via Cox Communication, which highlights information and accomplishments of the participants. The live parade audience exceeds 40,000.

“Final plans for the 40th Autumnfest Parade are being formulated as all submitted entry forms are being inserted in the parade’s 10-division line-up,” Richard Savaria, Autumnfest General Chairman said. “The big question is, ‘Are we still accepting entry forms for bands, floats and special entries?’ Yes, there is still a significant need for bands, floats, and special entries. The absolute deadline for all forms is Sept. 16, 2018. The deadline has been extended, so as to provide a more accurate parade line-up to the media.”

The parade will again feature “The All-American Veteran’s Division.” This division will host various military bands, marchers, military vehicles and most important, this nations honored veterans.

According to Savaria, this year’s float theme will be centered on the “40 years of Autumnfest Memories.” Float judges will be awarding five trophies in the following categories: “Most Beautiful,” “Maple Leaf Award,” “Best in Parade,” “Most Creative” and the “Judges Award.” In past years, large numbers of floats registered and competed for these prestigious awards. With a 25 float limit, it would be wise to register early.

Entry forms are accessible on the website. For more float information, call Richard at (401) 527-8959. The process of selecting this year’s float judges is under way and will be making them known at a later date.

As the community celebrates and enjoys the amenities of the 40th Autumnfest celebration it also honors and acknowledges an individual whom unselfishly gives of himself to better the community, its people and somehow Autumnfest without compensation. This year’s title of Autumnfest Grand Marshal is Paul Bourget.

Paul and his wife Denise will be riding down the parade route in a mode yet to be announced. The Grand Marshal’s Celebration will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, 2018 at Savini’s Pomodoro Restaurant, Rathbun Street, Woon- socket from 6 to 10 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the Autumnfest website ( www.autumnfest.org) under Grand Marshal.

Invitation letters to area bands, fire and police departments, public service clubs, state and local officials and all towns officials of the Blackstone Valley have been forwarded as the Steering Committee is seeking their participation in this year’s parade. If you have an entry that would make the 40th Autumnfest Parade interesting, the committee would like to hear from you.

Autumnfest Band Sponsors will receive a banner in the parade, in addition to other acknowledgments. Those interested in sponsoring a band may contact Garrett Mancieri at (401) 651-1519.

DJ’s or other mounted music providers are still being sought for the parade. A completed special entry form is required. As for all other parade entries, last year’s participants should have received an invitation and this year’s entry forms. As always, additional information and entry forms may be accessed on the website.

For further information or assistance, contact Richard Savaria at (401) 5278959.

All entry forms are to be mailed to: Autumnfest Parade, P.O. Box 574, Woonsocket, RI 02895