PITTSFIELD, Mass. — "Stars, Stripes, and Smiles in the Berkshires" was chosen as the theme for the line of march for the next Fourth of July Parade.  

 

Parade Committee Chairman Peter Marchetti said about 17 ideas were tossed out by the committee.

 

"All were good but we try to use a litmus test that works for all units and the judges on the reviewing stand," he said.

 

An example was Dancing in the Streets, which Marchetti said didn't allow for many options for floats.

 

"It's a process taken seriously by the committee like everything else we do," said Marchetti.

 

In addition, the annual meeting, held on Nov. 30, elected one new member, Pete White, to a two year term to finish a three-year term absented by a retired member of the board. Four members were re-elected to 3-year terms including Susan Rock, Weslia and Kenneth Wheeler, Claudia White, and Patrick Kelly.

 

Finally, the meeting revealed through Treasurer Weslia Wheeler the results of a recent fundraiser, The Oldies But Goodies Show, performed Nov. 18 and 19 at the new Wahconah Regional High School.  The show raised nearly $13,000 mostly through ticket sales.  After expenses such as advertising and printing costs, the parade netted over $9,400, or almost 10 percent of the parade's budget of $104,000. 

 

About 60 percent of the annual budget goes to marching bands and Helium balloons.

 

The Pittsfield Parade Committee meets on the third Wednesday of every month with greater frequency closer to the July event. Volunteers are always welcome to attend.  

 

Donations to the parade may be made through the web site, pittsfieldparade.com.  Comments can be delivered by calling 413-447-7763 or through the web site.