Pittsfield July 4th Parade Will Celebrate 'Made in America'
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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — This year's theme for the 2014 Fourth of July Parade is "Made in America" — rather appropriate for a celebration of the nation's birthday.
The Pittsfield Parade Committee said the winning theme was chosen from a field of more than 45 suggestions from Facebook fans.
"The parade theme suggestions ran the gamut from 'Honoring our Past Greatest Generation and Present Heros' to 'Art & Industry: Celebrating Innovation in Pittsfield' to 'All the World is a Stage,' in honor of Shakespeare's 450th birthday," committee President Peter Marchetti said. "The Parade Committee felt that 'Made in America' was the perfect way to encompass every patriotic and military suggestion made this year.
"American people spending American dollars on American products equals American jobs. These jobs are the foundation of a thriving economy. Pittsfield's economic recovery is under way and it's time to celebrate."
The parade poster will be revealed soon and available for purchase.
The announcement kicks off the fundraising drive for the 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 and individuals may donate via PayPal.
Parade applications are also being accepted. Applications will be mailed to past attendees; those who would like to participant can find applications at www.pittsfieldparade.com or by calling 413-447-7763.
The Parade Committee will meet at 7 p.m. at Morningside Community School on Burbank Street on the following Wednesdays: April 2 & 16; May 7, 14, 21 & May 28; June 11 & 18, and July 2.
The public is invited and new parade committee members are always welcome to attend.
Mandatory float-building workshops are designed to bring together potential float builders to learn the rules and regulations of putting together an award-winning float for the 4th of July Parade. Ideas will be suggested on float construction, types of materials to use, size regulations, safety issues, and an understanding of the categories for an entry.
Float workshops will be held:
* Monday, April 21, at 7 p.m., St Mark's Church, Father Leonard Hall, West Street
* Saturday, May 10, at 10 a.m., St Mark's Church, Father Leonard Hall, West Street
* Wednesday, May 28, at 7 p.m., Morningside Community School, Burbank Street
The Parade Committee requires that someone from each float entry attend at least one of these workshops.
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 May 15. Deadline for all participants is also May 15 and the advertising sponsorship deadline is June 1.
Tags: 4th of July, parade,
