Berkshire Pride Announces Expansion and 2025 Event Schedule

04:05PM / Sunday, January 26, 2025Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Pride has unveiled new initiatives and events aimed at fostering inclusivity across Berkshire County.

Highlights include the integration of North Adams Pride, the launch of Lee Pride, and the addition of Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, as a program under Berkshire Pride.

North Adams Pride, known for events like Pride Night and the Northern Lights Ball, will now collaborate with Berkshire Pride to expand resources and programming in North County. Meanwhile, the newly launched Lee Pride will focus on serving the LGBTQIA+ community in Lee and surrounding areas with events celebrating diversity and inclusion. Drag Story Hour, Berkshire Chapter, joins Berkshire Pride to bring affirming, literacy-focused experiences to LGBTQIA+ youth and families.

Berkshire Pride's 2025 schedule features a variety of events, including:

February 14: Eternal Flame Valentine Dance Party – Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.
March 1: Northern Lights Ball – Elks Lodge, North Adams.
May 10: Youth Prom – An inclusive prom experience for LGBTQ+ youth.
May 31: Flag Raising Ceremony & Block Party – Pittsfield City Hall & School St.
June 1: Rainbow Run 5K & Youth Pride – Family-friendly run and youth celebration.
June 7: 9th Annual Berkshire Pride Festival & Parade – The Common Park, Pittsfield.
June 13: Berkshire Pride Party-Stationery Factory with DJ BFG , VIP is back!
June 14: Lee Pride – Celebrating inclusion and community spirit in Lee.
June 20: North Adams Pride Night – An evening of celebration in North Adams.
June 28: Berkshire Pride Night at Berkshire Busk – Showcasing LGBTQ+ performers in Great Barrington.
October 10: Prideoween- Stationery Factory with DJ BFG and a dazzling drag show.

To support these efforts, Berkshire Pride has launched a "Pride Without Borders" campaign to raise $75,000 for expanded programming and safe spaces. The organization also announced the return of the Pride Guide, inviting local organizations and businesses to participate by listing events or advertising.

For more information, visit www.berkshirepride.org or contact Executive Director Cass Santos-China at Cass@berkshirepride.org.

Tags: pride,

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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.

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