Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Theme Announced

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Parade Committee announced that the 2016 Fourth of July Parade theme is “Music & Dance Through the Years.”

“Our 2016 theme emanated from a combination of suggestions we received from the community, many promoting the idea that we should honor the Berkshires’ tradition of great summer music and dance venues," Pittsfield Parade Committee President Peter Marchetti said. "The other piece is that the theme will tie in nicely with the drum corps show that will take place on July 3 at Wahconah Park.”

Parade applications are now being accepted. Applications will be mailed to past attendees and for those who would like to participate for the first time, applications may be found online at www.pittsfieldparade.com or by calling 413-447-7763.

Also, the committee has kicked off the fundraising drive for the 2016 parade. The committee is looking for corporate sponsors, small businesses and Berkshire County residents to help reach this year’s goal of $85,000. Individual and corporate donation forms are also available on the website. Individuals may elect to donate online via Pay Pal.

Companies and individual donors may call the parade phone at 413-447-7763 for assistance. All donations will be printed in the program booklet and the Berkshire Eagle if received before June 1 deadline. Deadline for all participants is also May 15 and the advertising sponsorship deadline is June 1.

The committee also is looking for volunteers to help make the July 4th Parade bigger and better than ever. Meetings are held at Morningside School in Pittsfield at 7 p.m.on the following Wednesday evenings: Feb. 24, March 16, April 13 and 27, May 4 and 18, and June 1 and 15.

The public is invited and new parade committee members are always welcome to attend.

In addition, several sessions designed to bring together potential float builders to learn the rules and regulations of putting together an award winning float will be held this spring. Ideas will be suggested on float construction, types of materials to use, size regulations, safety issues, and an understanding of the categories for your entry. The committee requires float builders and certain other units to attend one or more workshops to eliminate any problems that may arise the day of the parade.

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