More
Than Just A Parade More
Than Just A ParadeThe Pittsfield 4th of July Parade Committee has become well known in
Berkshire County as a positive, well-organized group of volunteers who work
tirelessly to contribute quality events to their community. The walls of
their headquarters reflect the many awards they have received for their
efforts.
The committee's main objective is to plan and organize YOUR HOMETOWN
AMERICA PARADE. The next year's parade plans start immediately following
the current parade and future parades are worked on concurrently. It takes
time, effort, patience, and money to bring a quality parade to life.
The committee also plans, organizes, and produces parade-related events
like the July 3rd Parade Preview (performances by groups appearing
in the parade the next day), and the Picnic On The Common (an old-fashioned
family picnic with craft booths, food booths and entertainment) which takes
place after the parade. The Independence Run Road Race, co-sponsored
with Berkshire Medical Center, is held just prior to the start of the parade.
This sanctioned 5 kilometer rae has become one of the largest of its kind
in the northeast with over 700 participants running the parade route. The
popular "Wild Goose Chase" Canoe Race, co-sponsored with
the Berkshire Paddlers Club, takes place on Onota Lake the Sunday before
the parade.
In early August, Precision and Pageantry, an International Drum and
Bugle Corps Competition, features the excitement, sounds, and colors of
World Class Drum Corps. In the fall and early spring, the committee organizes
two craft and gift shows, "The Holiday Village" and "March
Into Spring." Each show draws over two hundred exhibitors from
the east coast and is attended by over 6,000 people. In October, the committee
also runs a Winter Sports Equipment Sale.
The committee has also be sought out to assist or act as a consultant to
parades, festivals, bicentennials, centennials and anniversaries in Massachusetts,
New York, Ohio, and Illinois as well as for local events.
This ALL VOLUNTEER organization is NOT JUST A
PARADE COMMITTEE...
We are a part of our community!
