By Stephanie Zollshan — The Berkshire Eagle

Copyright berkshireeagle

Lee Founders Weekend, sponsored by the Lee Chamber of Commerce, returns this weekend with three days of food, live music, parades, fireworks, walking tours, and community fun in celebration of the town’s 248th birthday.

The festivities kick off Friday evening, when Main Street will be closed to traffic from 5 to 9 p.m. for the Taste of Lee. Local restaurants, breweries and food vendors will serve up favorite flavors from across the Berkshires. A fireworks display by Santore’s World Famous Fireworks will begin at 8 p.m.

On Saturday, the Wildcat Main Street Mile Race begins at 10 a.m., sponsored by the Lee Middle and High School cross-country team. The race runs along the Main Street parade route, which will be closed to traffic from 10 to 11 a.m.

The Hometown Parade will also step off at 10 a.m., featuring dozens of marchers, bands and local organizations. This year’s parade marshal is Peter Hofman, recognized for his leadership in sustainability efforts through the Lee Greener Gateway Committee and his lasting contributions to the town since becoming a full-time resident in 2013.

Following the parade, dozens of craft and food vendors will line the streets, while live entertainment continues throughout downtown. Tickets for the Lee Chamber-sponsored Slider Cook Off are available for purchase at the Lee Chamber Information Booth, Canna Provisions and participating restaurants prior to the event.

The Athletic Field will host activities for all ages, including an obstacle agility course, circus games, performances by Bowey the Magic Clown and Terry a la Berry, and both skateboard and fingerboard competitions.

The Lee Bank parking lot will showcase the Lee Lions Classic Car Show and antique fire trucks from the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

The weekend wraps up on Sunday with more community fun including a Dog Parade, dog-friendly activities, a cornhole tournament, and the Lee Lions Club’s annual Duck Derby Race.

For the full schedule, event details and updates, visit leechamber.org/festivals.

Due to construction, municipal parking on Railroad Street is limited. Parking lots are available off Franklin and High streets, at St. Mary’s Church, St. Mary’s School, Lee Elementary School, and Lee Middle and High School. Additional street parking is available throughout town.