Pittsfield Halloween Parade Canceled, Trick or Treat Is On

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city's long-beloved Halloween parade is canceled for the second consecutive year due to COVID-19 but trick-or-treat is a go.

Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Becky Manship told the Parks Commission on Tuesday that unfortunately there will be no parade due to a rise in COVID-19 cases but local children will be able to go door to door for candy on Oct. 30 from 5:30 to 7 p.m.

Those who are interested in handing out candy are to leave their outside lights on during this time.

Manship said this is the planned date, but the virus could warrant a change of plans as with all events.

"It's too early to really tell what the numbers will be at that point so stay tuned on messaging down the road," she said.

Park and Open Space Program Manager James McGrath said it is really up to parents' discretion if they want their families to participate in trick-or-treat or not.

"It never has been mandatory to participate in trick-or-treating," he said. "We just want to make certain that the tradition can continue but parents can make good decisions and keep their children safe in their neighborhood."

To accommodate people who are wary about participating in trick-or-treating in person, Manship is planning to do a virtual citywide costume and house decorating contest again this year.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.