Mayor Tyer: May & June 3rd Thurs. Cancelled, 4th Parade Unlikely

The effects of COVID-19 outbreak are being felt by everyone. Outside of health and economic concerns, the virus has also put a damper on social events. From postponed weddings to canceled birthday parties, abstaining from gathering in large groups is the only solution we currently have to dissolve this pandemic.

In a conversation with Slater & Marjo in the Morning, Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer announced that in coordination with the Office of Cultural Pittsfield, the decision has been made to cancel 3rd Thursday gatherings for May and June.

Celebrating its 14th year, the cultural event that takes place in downtown Pittsfield is The Berkshire’s largest outdoor street festival featuring vendors, theatre, dance, fitness, music, food and all things Berkshire. As of right now the reaming July, August, and September events are still a go but will be revisited as things progress.

On the topic of large community events, we asked the Mayor about the future of this year's Fourth of July parade, one that draws upwards of 25,000 people to downtown Pittsfield. She said while a decision has yet to be made, given the current pandemic, she thinks it will be unlikely the parade will be held. While this a staple of the summer seasons for thousands, the health and well being of the public remains the top priority.

Well, I don't think were there yet. I do know the parade committee is giving it a lot of thought. I know that some of the normal, regular parade participants have already started to decline participation this year, but I think that it's a bit too early to make the decision about the Fourth of July parade, however, really it's not that far off, and even if we have lifted our states of emergency and we can go back to generally normal practices, it could be very uncomfortable for people to gather in that kind of huge group gathering where everyone is very, very close together for the first time. So, I don't... I can't imagine we're going to have the Fourth of July parade, but a decision has not been made yet.

Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer