Pittsfield Extinguishes 4th of July Firework Display
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| The Pittsfield Parade Committee announced Vincent "Vin" Marinaro as the 2026 Grand Marshal. |
PITTSFIELD, Mass.— There will be no city-sponsored fireworks show on the Fourth of July this year.
Pittsfield announced this on Friday, June 26, explaining it was unable to secure a vendor with availability for the display. The historic parade and race will still kick off on the morning of July 4, and other events are happening over the holiday weekend.
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.
On Wednesday, the Pittsfield Parade Committee announced Vincent "Vin" Marinaro as the 2026 Grand Marshal. The lifelong Pittsfield resident has been a mentor, educator, coach, advocate, and leader, said to have left a lasting impact on generations of Pittsfield families.
He began his career teaching in Pittsfield's Catholic schools, coaching youth sports, and managing the Catholic Youth Center, later bringing that same passion for service to the Ralph J. Froio Senior Center, serving as Executive Director from 2010 until his retirement in 2018.
"Under his leadership, the center expanded programs, strengthened community connections, and became an even more vibrant gathering place for older adults. His commitment to service did not stop there," the parade committee wrote.
"A devoted member of the Rotary Club of Pittsfield since 1995, Vin has exemplified Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. In 2024, he was installed as District Governor for Rotary District 7890, representing clubs throughout Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut. Along the way, he has been recognized with numerous honors, including the Gerard D. Downing Service to Children Award and a designation as a Paul Harris Fellow."
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.
This year's theme invites the community to reflect on Pittsfield's history and its connections to broader American history, including its neighborhoods, industries, cultural institutions, civic traditions, and families.
It aims to celebrate the people who connect generations and help build the future while honoring the past, and Marinaro is said to embody that spirit.
Pittsfield 4th of July events include:
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Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade hosted by the Pittsfield Parade Committee; July 4 at 10 a.m., rain or shine, in downtown Pittsfield.
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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.
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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.
The Berkshire Athenaeum was one of four Massachusetts libraries selected to participate in a LEGO® flag build event to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States Declaration of Independence. The free event was held on June 6 at the library.
Community members helped create a giant American flag out of LEGO® bricks that will be part of the 2026 Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular. The annual July 4th concert, led by Keith Lockhart, will headline Massachusetts' America 250 celebration on the Charles River Esplanade.
Nevins Memorial Library in Methuen, New Bedford Free Public Library, and Worcester Public Library were also selected for the project.
Pittsfield isn’t the only community that said goodbye to fireworks for 2026 celebrations. The rising costs of fireworks canceled the display for Cheshire Cruz Nite on August 8, hosted by the fire department.
Last year, the 20-minute display cost $8,500 and had to be supplemented from the hose company's reserves, and this year, the quoted price was $12,500. Searches for other operators only turned up higher prices, reaching as much as $17,500.
More than 90 percent of fireworks are imported from China, and prices have risen dramatically largely due to high tariffs. The National Fireworks Association said in February that the "fluctuating tariff layers and duty rate increases" have been exceeding 30 percent.
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