Woonsocket Gears Up For 2011 Autumnfest

As leaves in trees across the city begin to turn from green to shades of red and yellow, so too shall residents' attentions turn to a local tradition dating back more than 30 years: Woonsocket's yearly Autumnfest celebration.  

The family festival, held every Columbus Day weekend, includes arts and crafts, vendors, and culinary delights from across New England along with three days of non-stop entertainment, rides, games and raffles. A beer tent and fireworks display add to the annual fun, which culminates in large parade marching from Diamond Hill Road, down Social Street and into the festival grounds on the final day.

The event has become Woonsocket's premiere celebration, bringing tens of thousands of guests to the area, and bringing together old and new friends who stroll the grounds, enjoying everything from the "international" food court to stages hosting some of the best local, regional and national acts. 

This year marks Woonsocket's 33rd celebration and although the venue, , has been the subject of much debate and speculation in recent years, the park is expected to be cleaned and ready in time for the festivities. The state park has been under renovation, but with funding for the project slow to come from the Department of Environmental Management, much of the facility has been in disrepair.   

Historically, however, Autumnfest is a time for Woonsocket to put its best foot forward, as dedicated volunteers work with local officials to provide a celebration the city can be proud of. This year's Steering Committee is headed by Tim Paul, with co-chair Rachel Arruda. All of the usual suspects have come together, from Beacon Charter School's Tina Go (this year, managing souvenirs,) to Councilman William Schneck (in charge of the button committee,) to create a weekend of fun for all.

The very roots of the tradition could hold a valuable lesson for today's naysayers. Autumnfest began as a means to improve the city's image, when in the late 70s, the development of many new retail businesses, banks and restaurants effectively moved Woonsocket's business district to the Social area. According to Dave Russell in his 30th anniversary retrospective, Autumnfest Reflections, "Woonsocket wore a bright new coat of paint and an air of optimism began replacing the all-too frequent pessimism. However, the negative comments about Woonsocket from outside the area continued."

In 1978, a group of concerned residents and public officials began to form, with the mission of promoting Woonsocket's image. The first celebration, held just one year later, in October of 1979, was pulled together with minimal time and funding. When surprised members of the original Steering Committee witnessed the massive turnout, founders used the guarantee of proceeds to justify more than doubling the fireworks display.  

Although it is still too early for a full list of entertainers and vendors who will take part this year, residents can show their support for Woonsocket's oldest tradition by purchasing buttons for $1 which will also serve as tickets for the festival's annual raffles. Buttons can be purchased at locations throughout the city, including , , all locations, , the Mayor's office, , The , and Wright's Farm. Involved residents like Lorraine Jacobs typically sell thousands of buttons individually.  

Valley Breeze publisher Tom Ward will serve as Grand Marshall of the parade this year. In keeping with tradition, Mayor Leo Fontaine has been presented with button #1 and will hand off 2011's first pin to Ward at the Grand Marshall reception, held in the Bank of America building during the week prior to the celebration.

The event will be held this year on Oct. 8 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6:15 p.m. To find contacts to register as a vendor, sponsor, parade participant or volunteer, visit the fair's official website at http://www.autumnfest.org/.

Editor's note: The name of the chair and co-chair of the 2011 Autumnfest celebration have been corrected in this article.