For the most complete information and to interact with Athol town government, visit the Town of Athol website, CLICK HERE.
Athol MA March 2026 News Summary
In March 2026, news in Athol, Massachusetts, was dominated by preparations for the April 6 Annual Town Election, specifically focused on two significant tax override questions. More information on the town of athol website: https://athol-ma.gov
Government & Election News
Proposed Budget Overrides: Residents spent the month weighing two separate property tax override questions on the upcoming April ballot. $1.8 Million Override: Passing this would increase the average single-family tax bill by approximately $377.83. $2.9 Million Override: This larger request would result in an average increase of $610.10.
Vote-by-Mail: The town opened applications for mail-in voting for the April 6 election early in the month.
Capital Improvements: The Capital Program Committee backed $807,000 in funding requests for the 2027 fiscal year, including $75,000 for a new DPW pickup truck and roughly $500,000 for a new ambulance for the Athol Fire Department.
Education Negotiations: The Athol-Royalston Regional School District (ARRSD) held executive sessions on March 30 to conduct collective bargaining with the ATA Union.
Community & Local Events
Athol Public Library: The library hosted several regular and special programs throughout March, including a LEGO Club, a Knitting Group, and Chess Club meetings.
High School Events: Athol High School held a Freshmen/Sophomore Dinner Dance on March 28.
River Rat Race Prep: Local businesses showed support for the upcoming River Rat Race, with Cornerstone Bank donating $2,500 toward the event.
Public Safety & Regional Updates
Police Activity: Police logs for late March (March 18–26) noted reports of property damage at the old Morgan Memorial Fresh Air Camp buildings.
Housing Shortage: Regional reports highlighted a critical housing shortage in Western Massachusetts, estimating a need for 23,000 new units to meet progress goals.
High School Sports: In a notable local matchup, the Mahar baseball team rallied from a five-run deficit to defeat Athol.
Coming up in April – in Athol, Massachusetts:
April 2026 in Athol, MA, is highlighted by the return of River Rat Weekend, the town’s most iconic annual tradition featuring canoe races and community festivities. The month also features local elections and a variety of library programs and seasonal workshops. River Rat Weekend (April 11, 2026): This massive regional event includes several key activities: Big Cheese 5K: Starting at 9:30 AM, this family-friendly road race encourages wacky costumes and raises funds for local facility improvements. River Rat Promenade: A parade following the 5K that moves through the center of town. River Rat Race: The main event, an eight-mile canoe race starting at 1:00 PM on the Millers River in Athol and finishing in Orange.
Annual Town Election (April 6, 2026): Registered voters can cast their ballots in person or by mail for available seats on the Selectboard and other town offices.
Athol YMCA Healthy Kids Day (April 18, 2026): A free event at the Athol Area YMCA featuring healthy snacks and activities.
Green Clean Athol (April 18, 2026): A community-wide spring cleaning initiative.
Library & Creative Activities: The Athol Public Library hosts recurring and special programs throughout the month: Tween & Teen Dungeons and Dragons Club: Meets Wednesday, April 1, at 3:30 PM. Genealogy Series (Using DNA): A presentation and conversation on Tuesday, April 7, at 6:00 PM. Knitting Group: A weekly social gathering starting Monday, April 6, at 1:00 PM. April Mystery Discussion: A book club meeting focused on mystery novels on Tuesday, April 14, at 6:00 PM. Paint and Sip Night: Hosted at the North Quabbin Masonic Lodge on Friday, April 17, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM.