Volunteers Needed For Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — With just over a month to go to one of the region's biggest events - the city of Pittsfield's Fourth of July parade - the call is going out for volunteers to help on the day of the parade.
First and foremost, the parade committee is looking for banner carriers. The banners promote our leading sponsors, area businesses contributing a minimum of $750 to the parade committee making the event possible.
Parade Vice President Jeff Hunt said volunteers are needed year-round to help with the parade’s many events and activities. Examples of volunteer efforts include the upcoming shows on June 8 at the Elks Club on Union Street in Pittsfield and June 23 at The Tavern at the A on Crane Avenue in Pittsfield. Both events need help setting up and with the sales of 50-50 raffle tickets, for example. The Oldies But Goodies Show in November needs similar help, as well as assistance back stage at the Taconic High Theater.
On parade day, however, more than 2,000 people are involved in the organization and flow of the parade. About 50 people are needed to help keep units from elected officials to marching bands to balloons ready to go when it's their time to merge into the line of march. More than 160 units are assigned by type to various downtown streets to wait their turn to march. Volunteers may email the parade committee at pittsfieldparade@aol.com or call the parade phone at 413-447-7763.
While contributions are always welcome for this annual event, the deadline to get an ad into the parade booklet is immediate. According to Treasurer Tanya Mullin, the parade has $47,687 to date toward the goal of $85,000 to pay for this year's parade and to get a modest head start toward next year. The June 8 show is a dinner and dance event with the $20 cost for attendance going to the parade. The event on June 23 at the "A" is also a pasta dinner with several bands performing and costs $20 per adult and is also a donation to the parade. Tickets are available by calling the parade phone at 413-447-7763
Those interested in attending Parade Committee meetings and helping on the day of the parade may do so at the Polish Falcons on Belair Avenue in Pittsfield at 7 p.m. on the following dates: June 5, 12 and 19 and July 3.
Only one float workshop is left: June 3 at 7 p.m. at Father Leonard Hall, St. Mark's Church, West Street, Pittsfield.
Tags: 4th of July, parade,
