Saturday you can head for the beach right in downtown North Adams. It’s the Eagle Street community beach celebration, now in its 20th year.

According to iBerkshires.com, The idea for the community beach was the brainchild of artist Eric Rudd.  It’s become a summer tradition in North Adams with 500,000 pounds of sand, donated by Specialty Minerals and delivered and cleaned up by the City of North Adams Department of Public Works. A team of volunteers spreads it, curb to curb, filling the entire length of downtown Eagle Street.

Hundreds of sand pails and shovels have been donated by Mildred Elley.  These will be free for kids to use and keep.  You are invited to wear your best beach attire and soak up the sun and sand.  iBerkshires also reports that the First Baptist Church will be giving away free ice cream cones and the SteepleCats will be giving away 250 tickets to children 12 and under.  Some Eagle Street merchants and businesses have contributed sand toys, as well as special prizes for the most creative sand castles or sand sculptures, for the event, which runs from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m.

As in years past, after the beach celebration a "Mexican Fiesta," presented by the City of North Adams, will be held from 7 to 10 p.m.  There will be food and cold beverages for adults.

The City of North Adams reminds you that no parking will be allowed on Eagle Street or North Church Street after 11 a.m. Saturday.

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