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Pittsfield's Christmas tree is growing in Park Square, gaining 3 feet in height in the past two years.
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Mayor Peter Marchetti welcomes the gathering to Friday's tree lighting.
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Community members braved the cold to watch the lights com one ...
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and cheer Santa's arrival.

Pittsfield Lights Now 12-Foot Christmas Tree

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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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.

The Pittsfield High School chorus performed carols before and after the tree lighting, artists Peter Vacchina and Robert Markey created ice sculptures during the event, and non-perishable food items were collected for the Christian Center's food pantry. 

Lipton Market provided free hot chocolate and coffee in Park Square during the event, and Otto's Kitchen & Comfort will also host a free Hot Chocolate Bar and photos with the Grinch inside their East Street restaurant.

The event was a part of Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s festive frolic that continued into Saturday. 


Tags: holiday story,   tree lighting,   

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Lee: 3 Miles of Route 20 Being Repaved Next Year

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

LEE, Mass. — Beginning next year, the state will repave three miles of Route 20 and reinforce two bridges, one over the Massachusetts Turnpike. 

Last week, the state Department of Transportation held a virtual design public hearing for the project. In addition to milling and resurfacing of the route, bridge structures L-05-024 (over Greenwater Brook) and L-05-052 (over I-90) will see maintenance repairs. 

"We just wanted to thank MassDOT for doing this project. We're very supportive of having the road redone and appreciate the work on it," Town Administrator Christopher Brittain said. 

"The town of Lee is looking forward to having the road repaved." 

Construction will begin in the spring of 2027.  

Traffic will be maintained with short-term flagging operations, and steel plates will conceal deck patching over Greenwater Brook. There will be staged construction on the bridge over the highway, with a single alternating travel lane controlled by a temporary signal. 

The project is estimated to cost $6.8 million, 90 percent from the federal government and 10 percent from the state; it is in the FY26 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program. 

The hearing included public information on activities and rights-of-way needs for tree trimming, new utility poles, grading, drainage swales, and a driveway apron along the project corridor, items identified during the late design phases. 

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