image description — Fireworks are scheduled for July 8.

Pittsfield Schedules Fireworks on July 8

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
09:36AM / Thursday, July 02, 2026Print Story | Email Story

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— Fireworks are back on.

In honor of the 250th anniversary of the United States, a fireworks display is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8, at 9:15 p.m. in the area of Wahconah Park.

The Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad made "significant" donations toward the display, according to a Thursday press release. The city could not secure a vendor for the Fourth of July, but one was available a few days later due to a cancellation in another state.

"I am grateful for the Pittsfield Cooperative Bank and George Haddad who have offered their support to allow this beloved community tradition to return," Mayor Peter Marchetti said.

"This announcement is the perfect example of how this community comes together to create possibilities."

While there will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year, the historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events will take place over the holiday weekend.

Those attending the fireworks display on July 8 will not have access to Wahconah Park, as the site is a construction zone while the grandstand is being demolished. Fireworks can be viewed from the surrounding neighborhood and other locations throughout Pittsfield.

It is important to note that every firework show requires a licensed and certified professional, the press release states. Pittsfield was able to hire a licensed vendor for this display because the company had a show cancellation in another state, opening its availability for Pittsfield on July 8.

The fireworks' rain date is Thursday, July 9, at 9:15 p.m.

The 2026 parade theme, "America 250 — Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations," will celebrate 250 years of the nation and Pittsfield. People, floats, cars, balloons, and more will proceed down South, North, and Wahconah streets to thousands of spectators.

The parade dates back to 1801, and the parade committee was formed in the late 1970s. Today, it brings residents, families, organizations, and visitors together on the Fourth of July, historically kicking off at 10 a.m. on the dot.

Pittsfield 4th of July events include:

Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade hosted by the Pittsfield Parade Committee; July 4 at 10 a.m., rain or shine, in downtown Pittsfield.
4th of July 5K race, sponsored by Berkshire Health Systems and Berkshire Running Foundation; Race begins at 9 a.m. on July 4, just before the parade.?
The Berkshire Carousel, located at 50 Center Street, is offering free rides and face painting on July 4 from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
4th Annual Pittsfield Parade Car Show, McKay Street Parking Garage; Sunday, July 5, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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Pittsfield Outreach Program Sees Manager

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
05:29AM / Monday, August 17, 2026

PITTSFIELD, Mass.— The Health Department's outreach program has a manager and is seeking two outreach workers.

Earlier this month, Director of Public Health Andy Cambi updated the Board of Health on the creation of a new initiative that connects individuals on the streets with needed services.

He reported that Community Health Worker Gabrielle DiMassimo was tapped as the Community Health Program Manager a couple of weeks prior after it was posted internally. DiMassimo has been reaching out to unhoused people in encampments with the Parks Department and co-responders, and other staff this summer.

"She's been with the department for a couple years, holds a bachelor's degree in public health, and has been doing a lot of this work," Cambi said.

"Even in her college years, she was doing encampments and outreach with Worcester Public Health Department, so she really fit the bill for this position."

The position oversees Pittsfield's peer outreach initiative while advancing the long-term vision for the health department to be a more proactive, community-centered public health agency, as well as the health department's evolving responsibility to address prevention, access to services, social determinants of health, and community well-being through coordinated outreach and engagement.

Last year's controversial camping ordinance was sent to the Board of Health, and they determined it is not the best approach for Pittsfield. It was officially scrapped by the City Council earlier this year and replaced with a peer outreach program that provides harm reduction support services, navigation, and relationship-building with vulnerable residents.

The program director and outreach worker positions were approved by the City Council earlier this season. The outreach worker positions were posted internally, received applicants, and will soon go external to expand the candidate pool.

Cambi reported that the encampment group has been conducting outreach with DiMassimo. Workers speak with people at the encampments, tag the equipment, give the people an opportunity to relocate, and connect them with available resources.

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