PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The Fourth of July Parade is just days away from marching down North Street in front of thousands of paradegoers from around the region.
The Pittsfield Parade Committee has selected retiring Police Chief Michael Wynn as this year's grand marshal.
Every year, the independent committee tries to bring new things to the event, Chairman Peter Marchetti said.
It made a concerted effort this year to work with other organizations like Downtown Pittsfield Inc. to expand the Independence Day activities throughout the Fourth of July week.
From June 30 until July 9, residents can celebrate Independence Day with events like Pittsfield Suns' home games, open studio events, art walks, musical performances, and more. Line-up here.
The historic parade will be taking place this Tuesday at 10 a.m. and can also be seen on PTCV Channel 1301, PCTV select or Facebook live starting at 9:30.
"I just like the joy that the parade brings to the paradegoers, especially the children, and I'm a music guy, so I'm looking forward to some returning music groups," Marchetti said.
Residents can expect the return of many of their favorite marchers including runners, bands, classic and new cars, the Shriners and more. Keep a look out for Arthur, Buster and DW Helium parade balloons.
This year the parade also welcomes New York City-based Brazilian Samba Nova Band, Miss Massachusetts, two New England Patriots cheerleaders and Patriots mascot Pat Patriot.
A car show kicks off the week on July 2 from 10 until 2 with 45 classic cars and trucks on display in the parking lot on McKay Street.
The event sticks with the parade's theme "Stars, Stripes, and Smiles in the Berkshires." There will be a wide variety of vehicles from hot rods to pickup trucks. The event includes a 50-50 raffle, music and food and requests donations to benefit the parade. All donations benefit the parade.
Celebrate the night before the parade by dancing to the tunes of the the Whoa Phat Brass Band and the Greater Kensington String Band, aka "The Mummers."
The string band was founded in 1946 and has participated in many events such at the 100th anniversary of the Brooklyn Bridge, the grand opening of the Olympic Training Center, and the Chinese New Year Parade in Hong Kong.
The Whoa Phat Brass Band has worked with The Mummers and describe themselves as "sonically creative and boldly new."
The Philadelphia-based bands will be performing July 3 at 6:30 at First United Methodist Church on Fenn Street.
"The parade committee is proud of having brought these two groups to Pittsfield for their entertainment value," Marchetti said in a statement.
There is a suggested donation of $20 for the concert and doors open at 6 p.m. All donations benefit the parade.
The parade committee has selected retiring Pittsfield Police Chief Michael Wynn as this year's grand marshal.
Wynn led the department of nearly 120 employees, including almost 100 officers, since 2017 and has served the greater local community with several arts and civic organizations. His tenure with the police force ends on July 8.
The recent announcement of his retirement made it impossible to not recognize such an accomplished person at such a profound juncture in his life, Marchetti said. "This is the least our community can do for such a profound contributor."
Wynn has been influential to the implementation of improvements in training, technology, and options to use-of-force techniques. He is twice published and has been appointed to several state, county and local leadership positions regarding policing activities and reform.
