2015 Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Theme Announced

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PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Pittsfield Parade Committee has announced that the 2015 Fourth of July Parade theme is “Celebrating Our Independence.”

The winning theme was chosen from a field of more than 50 suggestions from Facebook fans and other sources.

“There were a variety of parade theme suggestions falling under three main headings: ‘Honoring our Military’; ‘Saluting the Red, White & Blue’ and ‘Freedom.’ The Parade Committee felt that ‘Celebrating Our Independence’ was the perfect theme to encompass the three main areas and properly reflect the values of inclusiveness and diversity while promoting the idea that Americans have always been striving for and protecting their freedom and independence,” Pittsfield Parade Committee President Peter Marchetti said. “Under the ‘Celebrating Our Independence’ theme, the committee is confident that any group wishing to participate with an entry will feel welcome.”

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.

The committee has kicked off the fundraising drive for the 2015 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 Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee 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: February 18; March 18; April 15; April 29; May 6; May 20; June 3, June 17 and July 1.



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

In addition, several float building and vehicle safety workshops will be held. These sessions 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 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.

The dates for the float/vehicle workshops are: April 15 at Morningside at 7 p.m.; April 18 at St. Mark's Parish Center at 10 a.m.; May 6 at Morningside at 7 p.m.; May 11 St. Mark's Parish Center at 7 p.m.; and June 3 at Morningside at 7 p.m.

For more information, call the parade phone at 413-447-7763.

 
isit the website at www.pittsfieldparade.com for more information or call at 413-447-7763.

 


Tags: 4th of July,   parade,   

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MassDOT Project Will Affect Traffic Near BMC

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Prepare for traffic impacts around Berkshire Medical Center through May for a state Department of Transportation project to improve situations and intersections on North Street and First Street.

Because of this, traffic will be reduced to one lane of travel on First Street (U.S. Route 7) and North Street between Burbank Street and Abbott Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday through at least May 6.

BMC and Medical Arts Complex parking areas remain open and detours may be in place at certain times. The city will provide additional updates on changes to traffic patterns in the area as construction progresses.

The project has been a few years in the making, with a public hearing dating back to 2021. It aims to increase safety for all modes of transportation and improve intersection operation.

It consists of intersection widening and signalization improvements at First and Tyler streets, the conversion of North Street between Tyler and Stoddard Avenue to serve one-way southbound traffic only, intersection improvements at Charles Street and North Street, intersection improvements at Springside Avenue and North Street, and the construction of a roundabout at the intersection of First Street, North Street, Stoddard Avenue, and the Berkshire Medical Center entrance.

Work also includes the construction of 5-foot bike lanes and 5-foot sidewalks with ADA-compliant curb ramps.  

Last year, the City Council approved multiple orders for the state project: five orders of takings for intersection and signal improvements at First Street and North Street. 

The total amount identified for permanent and temporary takings is $397,200, with $200,000 allocated by the council and the additional monies coming from carryover Chapter 90 funding. The state Transportation Improvement Plan is paying for the project and the city is responsible for 20 percent of the design cost and rights-of-way takings.

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