Concert, Beer Fest, Fireworks Lined Up For Pittsfield Common
 Parks and Open Space Manager James McGrath outlined the kick-off event with the Eagles Band. |
The Parks Commission approved a series of requests to use the park that has been under construction since 2011. The city used state funds for a multiphased $4.6 million reconstruction and now there is only a punch list of remaining work and some landscaping for spring.
"We are all looking forward to wrapping up this project," said Parks and Open Space Manager James McGrath, who said the city is now ready to re-focus on preparing for another project.
The park features a new playground, walking loops, sprayground, basketball court, gazebo, bathrooms and performance space. Officials in December celebrated the completion of the performance pavilions.
On May 23, the city will christen the new performance pavilion with the Eagles Band.
"We're hoping that will be the first public performance at the new pavilion at the Common," McGrath said. "This would be kind of an opening show and I think there would be a lot of interest in it."
The Eagles Band has been longtime concert band in the city and played the Common numerous times over its 79-year history.
The kickoff concert is scheduled for May 23 at noon. The Parks Commission also approved three concerts for the Eagles Band at Springside Park. Those are on June 23, July 21, and Aug. 11.
The Parks Commission also approved the use of the common for a craft beer festival and 5K road race in June.
Organizer Jim Brosnan says the festival will be a fundraiser for the Fenn Street Community Development Corp. It will feature an array of craft breweries providing samplings of their beer. Kent Lemme, of the Berkshire Running Center, is currently working on putting together the 5K road race to complement the fundraiser.
"This is 100 percent for charity and 100 percent for a charity that you can see from the Common," Brosnan said. "We do believe this will be a terrific thing for Pittsfield and will become an annual event."
With Tuesday's approval to use the Common, Brosnan says he will now find performers for live music and signing on the vendors. Lemme will handle the road race.
"It is not something where you are having big glasses of beer. You are sampling," Brosnan told the Parks Commission to ease their concerns about security.
Brosnan says underaged people will not be allow into the fenced-in area, servers will be TIPS trained, and a private security will be on hand. He added that the Police Department has already given preliminary approval.
Even before the kickoff event, the Common is being eyed to enhance the city's annual 10x10 arts festival. Shiobbean Lemme was approved the use of the Common on Feb. 21 for a 10-minute fireworks show. The fireworks will be shot over the Common and will be part of the city's 10x10 Festival.
The Parks Commission approved that request, too.
Tags: concerts, fireworks, parks commission, Pittsfield Common, public parks,
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