Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee Deadline Approaching
Pittsfield’s 3rd Thursday Participation, Organizational Meetings ScheduledThe deadline for applicants to appear in this year’s 4th of July Parade is May 15, 2008. Parade committee treasurer/coordinator, Peter Marchetti said, “This deadline is to allow organizations or businesses to be included in the program booklet, line-up information and final mailings. Missing the deadline excludes you from print.” All accepted entries will receive written confirmation of acceptance within a two week period.
Marchetti added, “The 4th of July is a time for us to celebrate as we proudly showcase the City of Pittsfield, with what is widely recognized as one of the finest 4th of July celebrations in America.”
The parade committee now meets twice a month. The next two meetings are scheduled for May 14 and May 28 beginning at 7:00pm at Morningside School on Burbank Street in Pittsfield. Marchetti said, “Any new organization interested in being in the parade should fill out an application form located online at www.pittsfieldparade.com or e-mail info@pittsfieldparade.com by May 15th. The parade theme for 2008 is A World of Music. Marchetti said, “Anyone interested in volunteering in any capacity should plan to attend the next meeting.”
The Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee will be participating in downtown Pittsfield's 3rd Thursdays during May, June and July. A window display at 164 North Street, Pittsfield features the new 2008 poster by local folk artist, Suzanne Goudreau. This poster depicts local celebrity, James Taylor on stage at Tanglewood with fireworks on display in a night time sky. It will be available for a $25 donation to the parade committee. Posters from the past decade are available for a $10 donation.
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.
