GREENFIELD – The sunny temper of the guests to the Inexperienced River Pageant was too shiny to dampen, even for torrential rains.
About 20 minutes earlier than Sammy Rae and the Buddies may take the stage on Friday evening for the primary efficiency of the weekend, a sudden, extreme thunderstorm hit the thirty fourth annual Inexperienced River Pageant. The live performance promoters urged folks to hunt shelter from the heavy rain and lightning that triggered teams of individuals to take cowl in varied buildings across the Franklin County Fairgrounds.
Regardless of the sudden change in climate, competition goers remained optimistic.
“Rattling it,” Colrain resident Pete Laurent stated when requested if he was nonetheless excited when he was crammed right into a crowd in a barn. “This is likely one of the higher components of life out right here.”
The Inexperienced River Pageant, historically held at Greenfield Neighborhood School since 1986, is now going down on the Franklin County Fairgrounds for the primary time, as the school is closed this summer time and the fairground is a bigger venue. The occasion has additionally been postponed from its typical July date to late August in anticipation of extra folks being vaccinated towards COVID-19. Final yr’s competition was canceled as a result of pandemic and this yr’s iteration is now offered out for the weekend.
The storm soaked the pitch and knocked down umbrellas, chairs and tents that have been arrange by folks earlier than the primary present. The storm lasted about 20 minutes and the all-clear was given shortly afterwards.
“All proper, we’ll get again to enterprise,” stated one of many organizers over the loudspeaker, which triggered cheers from the now soaked crowd.
Daybreak Benson, who had traveled together with her buddies from Spofford, New Hampshire, stated the rain could not cease her having fun with the evening forward as she straightened her umbrella and chair.
“In no way, we’re again up and operating,” Benson stated when requested about climate considerations. “That is our seventh yr.”
Benson stated she and her buddies would camp on the Franklin County Fairgrounds for 5 days and that this was an annual journey for them.
“It is now a convention with us,” she stated. “We’re taking Thursday by Monday off and we’re profiting from it.”
Tom and Leanne Danielsen from Bellingham have been sitting underneath a tent subsequent to their truck when the primary raindrops began.
“I feel the primary band will not begin on time,” joked Tom Danielsen. His spouse interfered and stated they have been blissful to be on the competition, “even within the rain”.
The couple stated they have been most excited to see Americana artist Shakey Graves, who was the ultimate act on the principle stage on Friday evening. They added that it was their fifth time to attend the Inexperienced River Pageant.
“We have seen him earlier than,” stated Tom Danielson. “He is simply nice.”
Tom Danielsen congratulated the organizers of the Inexperienced River Pageant, saying they deserve reward for tackling each the pandemic and a completely new place.
“The Tetris puzzle they solved is simply wonderful,” stated Danielsen. “I am simply impressed.”
In gentle of the pandemic, competition organizers lowered the variety of tickets accessible for every day, whereas additionally requiring masks to be worn in each constructing. When the rain compelled folks to hunt shelter, the competition employees handed out masks to those that didn’t have masks.
Jesse Morgan from Northfield introduced his whole household to the competition. He stated his spouse had been with us for many years and that he had adopted the custom.
“After I married her, I used to be sort of married into the competition,” Morgan stated. “It is an important household occasion.”
He stated the cancellation of final yr’s occasion was “unlucky” as his Texas sister-in-law could not do that yr’s competition, however they’re glad to be again this time together with his 1 yr previous son Jesse “Jack” Morgan V in tow.
“Everybody missed stay music,” stated Morgan. “It is good to be again.”
Chris Larabee could be reached at clarabee@recorder.com or 413-930-4081.
