Pittsfield's Third Thursday Is Back
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Pittsfield's monthly festival returns this May after a two-year absence caused by the novel coronavirus pandemic.
The Parks Commission on Tuesday approved a request from the Office of Cultural Development to hold the event at The Common on May 19, June 16, July 21, and Aug. 18 from 5 to 8 p.m.
"We are just thinking this is the time to go to the Common," Director of Cultural Development Jen Glockner said. "The Common is one of the most amazing gems in Pittsfield and we've been talking to [Park, Open Space, and Natural Resource Manager James McGrath] on and off for a few years and now it's time, it's just right off of North Street and we are still going to encourage people to go to North Street just like they always would afterward or beforehand or during for dinner or music, etc."
She added that the city has been working with merchants and Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to make it as an eventful night as it has been in the past.
The Third Thursday will return on May 19 for the first of four events and Glocker said it will now be "more artisan focused."
This will be toned down in size from the street fairs in the past. Since 2006, North Street from Park Square to the intersection of Linden Street and Maplewood Avenue had been closed to traffic on the third week of warmer months for food, vendors, activities, and performances. They had attracted upwards of 5,000 people each month.
The in-person season was canceled again for 2021 but some virtual components were incorporated.
Cultural Pittsfield will be collaborating with CozQuest, a treasure hunt business, and Roots Rising to feature vendors and activities with an artisan focus.
Thursday After Dark will also be a part of the events to highlight Downtown Pittsfield's restaurants, theatre, and nightly entertainment.
Shortly after the approval, the Office of Cultural Development sent out a press release to announce the news.
"Over the past two years, we saw a pause of many of our beloved traditions and pastimes," Mayor Linda Tyer said in the release.
"Now, as we continue to embark on this new phase of community life, I am absolutely thrilled to welcome the return of Third Thursday this spring in its new location at The Common. With so much to enjoy, this is an event that promises to deliver a good time for all, so I'm encouraging everyone to come out and experience firsthand the magic of Third Thursday."
The four themes this summer will be:
- May: Youth sponsored by General Dynamics Missions Systems
- June: Celebrating Summer with the Whiskey Treaty Road Show sponsored by MountainOne
- July: Touch a Truck sponsored by Lenco Armored Vehicles with an interactive performance hosted by Jacob's Pillow
- August: "Love Pittsfield" showcasing cultural organizations and sponsored by Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America
Cultural Pittsfield is collaborating with CozQuest and Roots Rising to have a wide array of vendors and activities with an artisan focus. For vendor information, contact Shiobbean Lemme at slemme@cityofpittsfield.org.
McGrath reported that the Office of Cultural Development met with various city departments to sort through the logistics of moving the event to the Common and feels confident about the event.
"I think we've got it down to where we think it'll be very workable and successful," he said, adding that the city is also nimble enough to adapt to quick changes if needed.
Tags: Third Thursdays,
