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2025 River Rat Parade
Name: 2025 River Rat ParadeDate: March 1, 2025 - April 12, 2025Event Description:2025 River Rat Parade riverratparade@gmail.com
The parade kicks off immediately following the Big Cheese 5K Race (Approximately 9:35am)
Saturday April 12,20258:15-10:00am-
We are thrilled to share some
exciting news with you!The Atholl Highlanders will be returning to our community in April 2025 for a special and memorable visit, and we would love for you to be part of it!Who Are the Atholl Highlanders?The Atholl Highlanders are Europe’s only legal private army, serving as the ceremonial guard of the Duke of Atholl in Scotland. Their presence is a unique symbol of Scottish heritage, and their world-renowned pipe band is a sight (and sound!) to behold.What to Expect During Their Visit:*Massachusetts State House Parade & Performance*Scottish Ceilidh Thursday night at Athol Town Hall. April 10th at 7:30pm*Visits to Local Schools, Nursing Homes & Businesses*Leading the North Quabbin Chamber of Commerce River Rat Parade!*Spectacular Performances during the Parade*Paddling in the River Rat Race (Thank you Billy Goat Boats!)This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to welcome 61 members of this historic regiment to our town and celebrate Scottish heritage in a truly remarkable way.Stay tuned for more details on how you can get involved, show support, and take part in this incredible experience.We can’t wait to welcome the Atholl Highlanders back to North Quabbin and share this unforgettable moment with you all!
The parade kicks off immediately following the Big Cheese 5K Race (Approximately 9:35am)
on
Saturday, April 12th,2025.
Parade Instructions:
As in past years, members of the Athol Fire Department will be along the lineup route with radios to help people into position. Please follow their instructions.1. The parade starts on School Street around Our Lady Immaculate Church. It proceeds down the hill to Main Street, turns left at the library then proceeds to Lord Pond Plaza. There are multiple staging areas for lining up. Please know your division, staging area and the route to get to the staging area. It is each group’s/organization’s responsibility to communicate those details to its members.
2. School Street will be closed to regular traffic at approximately 8:00AM. If you have a vehicle/float in the parade, you have access. If you are dropping off marchers, please do that at the CCD center off Main Street. Do NOT attempt to drive on School Street to do that. You can also drop off marchers at the Congress Street side of Riverbend School if that is closer to your lineup position. Congress Street is to the right of the school as you face it.
The parade lineup will begin at 8:15AM. All participants are asked to arrive then. Sure, it’ll be a little crazy for a while but that’s what River Rat is all about. Be kind and follow the AFD’s instructions.
You will be notified of your Division and position in a later email.4. It’s important to stay “bunched up” once you’re in position. You can spread out to a comfortable distance within your group once the parade begins to move.5. The parade will step off (begin) at 9:35AM. If everyone that registered to participate shows up, we estimate it will last about 60 minutes.6. We will post weather information as the date approaches.7. Above all, HAVE FUN!
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