Grand Marshal Ceremony Honors Bob Picard

The Grand Marshal Ceremony kicked off Autumnfest at 6 p.m. Tuesday at St. Ann Arts and Cultural Center in style for guests of honor Bob Picard and wife Suzanne Picard, who arrived in a stretch limo.

The limousine ride to the ceremony is a part of tradition, said Autumnfest Co-Chair and Marshal Ceremony Co-Chair Linda Plays. A limo will also transport the Picards to the Autumnfest opening ceremony, Plays said.

Mayor Leo Fontaine officially presented Picard with the first Autmnfest button during the dinner ceremony. The event was catered by Gary McLaughlin of Deli Encounters, the long-time caterer for the event.

Picard, chairman of Woonsocket Senior Services and a long-time Rotary member, drew a devoted crowd.

"Couldn't be a better recipient," said Rep. Bob Phillips.

"He's a really deserving person, said City Councilman Bob Moreau.

The two were not alone in their sentiments among the crowd, a fact made evident when the Picards strode together through the front doors of St. Anne Arts and Cultural Center.