WOONSOCKET – The Autumnfest Steering Committee has named Garrett Mancieri, a man members say couldn’t be more deserving of accolades, with the honor of being its 2026 grand marshal.
“As a committee, we love reading all the nominations we receive each year,” stated the group. “The things we focus on are what the person has done for the community and what they have done for Autumnfest. For this year’s recipient, the question became, ‘what hasn’t he done?’”
Mancieri served multiple terms as a City Council member, and also as member of numerous committees: Woonsocket Head Start Board Member, Northern RI Board of Realtors, Downtown Woonsocket Collaborative, Main Street Holiday Stroll Committee, WED Building Committee, Levitt AMP Woonsocket, Beacon Charter Schools board member, Sojourner House Community Advisory Board, Woonsocket Democratic City Committee, George Nasuti Foundation, and Beloved Woonsocket.
“When he’s not busy with these volunteer positions, he is the owner and broker of Mancieri Real Estate,” stated the committee.
Mancieri was an Autumnfest Committee member for seven years, serving three as chairperson.
“He played a key role in helping establish the organization as a 501c3,” stated the committee. “But his commitment to the festival didn’t stop after his time on the committee. He answers every question we have, provides his best advice, and is in attendance of every event to show his support.”
“I am thrilled and honored to be selected as the 2026 Autumnfest grand marshal,” Mancieri told The Local Insider. “I am proud of what the committee and I achieved over my six years including acquiring 501c3 status, designing and funded by the city for a new stage, and attaining a shuttered venue grant to get us through COVID-19.”
He added, “I am also proud to say that this organization has grown to much more than just a festival with a gives back program and scholarship program, we are now a community service organization that cares about the community. As we approach the 50-year anniversary coming up in a few years, this celebration is embedded in the fabric of our city and continues to make lasting memories for all our attendees throughout the region. I am thankful to the committee for acknowledging my service to Autumnfest, but also to many great organizations in Woonsocket.”
Said General Chairperson Alethea Forcier to Mancieri at the announcement, “you had probably the most nominations that anyone has ever had, but that’s not what got you this jacket. What got you this jacket is your love for the city, your dedication to Woonsocket, and all the great things that you do.”
Committee members said they look forward to celebrating Mancieri “for this well-deserved honor” during the 48th annual festival this year.
