The Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee is looking for volunteers to help make the July 4th Parade bigger and better than ever.
 
July 4th is a time for Pittsfield to celebrate our heritage as we proudly showcase the City of Pittsfield, with what is widely recognized as one of the finest 4th of July celebrations in America. While the exciting event occurs on a single day, the planning, preparation and fundraising takes nearly a whole year. Planning for the 2008 parade began almost immediately after last year’s successful march, by the all-volunteer Board and Parade Committee.

Parade committee treasurer/coordinator, Peter Marchetti said, “People tend to think this is a one day event that comes and goes effortlessly. What they don’t realize is how hard our volunteers work on a year round basis to help it run smoothly.” Marchetti said their staff of approximately 15 could use more helpers from the community. “We meet monthly and we hope that more people will take an interest in helping us bring this historic event to the city.”

The parade committee meets the fourth Wednesday of every month. The next meeting is scheduled for April 23, 2008 immediately following the second of two Float Building Seminars, beginning at 7:00pm at Morningside School on Burbank Street in Pittsfield. Marchetti said, “Any new organization interested in being in the parade or volunteering, should fill out an application form located online at www.pittsfieldparade.com or email  info@pittsfieldparade.com.”

The parade theme for 2008 is A World of Music. Marchetti added, “Anyone interested in volunteering in any capacity should plan to attend the next meeting.” The parade committee estimated that about 100,000 people from all over the country come out to see the most anticipated event of the summer, Pittsfield's Independence Day celebration, The Grand Marshall for this year’s parade will be announced this spring.

The Pittsfield 4th of July Parade has an historic reputation dating back to 1824, when the procession consisted of Revolutionary War survivors, patriots, politicians, and horse-drawn carriages. The parade was held off and on by various citizen groups until 1947 when it was taken over by the Pittsfield Permanent Firemen's Association. Under the firemen, the parade grew in size and popularity but was discontinued in 1976. After a bleak 1977 with no parade, a small group of volunteer citizens obtained $2,000 seed money from the City of Pittsfield and held their first parade in 1978. Over the years, this independent, non-profit organization -- the Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee, Inc. -- has grown in size, spirit, and determination, and with it, the parade has grown in size, quality, and popularity.

Please send donations to Pittsfield Parade Committee Inc, PO Box 1738, Pittsfield MA 01202 Visit the website at www.pittsfieldparade.com