Athol
The Town of Athol is a no-nonsense, blue-collar community located in the North Quabbin region of West Central Massachusetts. The town lies between the picturesque Tully Mountains to the North and the Quabbin Reservoir to the South. Athol offers a unique blend of urban and rural characteristics including a traditional downtown shopping district and an abundance of recreational activities such as camping, hunting and fishing.
Settled on the banks of the Millers River in the 1790's as a typical New England mill town, Athol has been a strong metalwork manufacturing hub since the turn of the century. Hence the town's nickname, "Tool Town, U.S.A.", is well earned.
Athol is home to the annual River Rat Race spectacular. What began as a local canoeing event 30 years ago, has evolved into a major tourist and sporting attraction. In early April of each year, the River Rat Race draws contestants from all over the northeastern United States to compete seriously and for fun.
The town is not without its cultural highlights. Each year the Athol Historical Society hosts many outstanding artists, musicians and other prominent people in addition to a very active local performing arts group that brings "Broadway to Town" at least four times a year.