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Berkshire Community College Welcomes Community to 65th Anniversary Fest

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Berkshire Community College is turning 65, and the entire Berkshires community is invited to join the festivities at Community Fest, happening Saturday, Aug. 16, from 10 to 4 on the main campus.

Admission is free, but registration is recommended. More than 60 activities are planned, ranging from live music and food trucks to workshops, exhibits, athletic tournaments and family-friendly events.

Community Fest offers a wide range of interactive experiences and exhibits:

• Food trucks all day, featuring food for purchase from local favorites like BB's Hot Spot, Copsicle, KJ Nosh, Krispy Kone and La Chalupa y La Enchilada

• Beer & wine garden opens at noon, showcasing products for sale from Balderdash Wine Cellars, Big Elm Brewing and Hot Plate Brewery

• Free live performances at the amphitheater: Brian Hailes (10–11 a.m.), Ron Ramsay (11 a.m.–noon) and Laura Cabrera with Gael Berthelly and Liberty Ortiz (noon–1 p.m.), followed by DJ Seth P. from 1–3 p.m.

• "Gene Expression: Choose Your Own Adventure," a scavenger hunt at the library

• Archive open house, a tour of BCC's history through years of memorabilia

• Robotics demos in the Berkshire Science Commons

• Fire safety showcase and tours aboard fire trucks with the Fire Science program

• Drone flights

• Tarot readings

For younger visitors:

• Build-a-Bird workshops, where the first 200 children make a stuffed Burke the Falcon mascot

• SGA lawn games

• "Meet the Critters" at Hoffmann Environmental Center

• Hands-on crafts, art mural project, face painting and more

Athletics and Wellness

• Soccer tournament culminating in a championship at 2:20?p.m.

• Pickleball competitions

• Volleyball jamboree in the gymnasium

• Free access to the Paterson pool and fitness center, a Pilates class, and chair massages offered by BCC massage therapy students

• "Free Community College" info sessions, FAFSA support and admissions guidance

• One-stop tours, highlighting student success at BCC

Discover new horizons with Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at BCC, a member-led organization providing exciting educational, social and volunteer opportunities for people over 50 years old:

• Mini-classes starting at 10:30 a.m. on subjects like "The Language of Film," "Thomas Paine's Writing," "Milestones in Medicine" and "African Rooted Dance."

• Social meet-up with light refreshments at noon for an opportunity to mingle and learn more about OLLI's programs

BCC has served as the pioneering public community college in Massachusetts since 1960. Over the decades, it has expanded educational access, built state-of-the-art facilities, and innovated in areas like modern labs, science commons and the One Stop Enrollment Center. Community Fest honors these milestones and welcomes everyone to see how far the institution and its vision have come, including the introduction of free college for eligible students.

For accessibility arrangements or disability accommodations, contact foundation@berkshirecc.edu or call 413-236-3071.

Pittsfield Lights Now 12-Foot Christmas Tree

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
12:36PM / Monday, December 08, 2025

Events coordinator Jennifer VanBramer says the annual tree lighting has been held since 1945. 

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The city lit its permanent Christmas tree, now 12 feet tall, to dozens of cheering community members on Friday. 

The annual tree lighting ceremony drew adults and children to Park Square as they waited for Santa and Mrs. Claus to arrive. It has been a Pittsfield tradition for 80 years, and a dedicated Christmas tree was planted in 2023. 

"This event has been a long-standing Pittsfield tradition since 1945, and every year it reminds us just how special our city truly is," Recreation & Special Events Coordinator Jennifer VanBramer said. 

"Each light on this tree is a symbol of each of us, our families, our neighbors, our shared hopes. When we come together, we shine brighter. Whether you've lived here your whole life or are joining us for the first time, thank you for being part of what makes Pittsfield such a special place to call home." 

Two children flipped the magic switch that lit the tree after a 10-second countdown. Soon after, Santa arrived on a firetruck and heard gift requests. 

Mayor Peter Marchetti thanked people for coming out on "probably one of the coldest nights of the year. 

"But it's not raining, and we've all been here in the rain before to light the tree," he said. 

The young fir started around 9 feet tall, and is expected to grow up to 50 feet in time.