Deadline Approaching For Pittsfield Parade

PITTSFIELD, Mass. The deadline for participating in the 4th of July Parade is June 1.

There are typically about 170 units in each parade which is comprised of community groups, veterans' groups, fire departments, floats, balloons, musical units, and elected officials.  

A form may be obtained by calling 413-447-7763, by going to the web site, pittsfieldparade.com (scrolling down on the landing page), or by sending an email to pittsfieldparade@aol.com.

"It's a big parade," said Committee President Pete Marchetti. "But each and every participant must fill out and submit an application or we have no way of knowing about their intentions, can't work them into the line of march or let the telecast hosts know about them." 

The volunteers who work to feed the various units into the line of march have a list of all units under their responsibility.  The list is prepared using the formal applications which must be submitted with descriptions of their participant for broadcast purposes and for use in the program.  

Float operators and builders must attend workshops prior to the parade to learn and understand rules and regulations on construction and use. Future workshops for floats are:  Polish Falcons, Belair Ave. May 15 and 6/12 6:30pm; St Mark's Church, Father Leonard Hall, 400 West St. Pittsfield 5/20, 7pm and 5/25 10 am.

Donations are also sought and may be made on the committee's website pittsfieldparade.com.

Pittsfield Affordable Housing Initiatives Shine Light, Hope

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
07:08AM / Saturday, December 20, 2025

Housing Secretary Edward Augustus cuts the ribbon at The First on Thursday with housing officials and Mayor Peter Marchetti, state Sen. Paul Mark and state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The holidays are here and several community members are celebrating it with the opening of two affordable housing initiatives. 

 

"This is a day to celebrate," Hearthway CEO Eileen Peltier said during the ribbon-cutting on Thursday. 

 

The celebration was for nearly 40 supportive permanent housing units; nine at "The First" located within the Zion Lutheran Church, and 28 on West Housatonic Street. A ceremony was held in the new Housing Resource Center on First Street, which was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. 

 

The apartments will be leased out by Hearthway, with ServiceNet as a partner. 

 

Prior to the ribbon-cutting, public officials and community resource personnel were able to tour the two new permanent supported housing projects — West Housatonic Apartments and The First Street Apartments and Housing Resource Center. 

 

The First Street location has nine studio apartments that are about 300 square feet and has a large community center. The West Housatonic Street location will have 28 studio units that range between 300 to 350 square feet. All units can be adapted to be ADA accessible. 

 

The West Housatonic location is still under construction with the hope to have it completed by the middle of January, said Chris Wilett, Hearthway development associate.