PITTSFIELD, Mass. - For the first time since 2019, thousands of people packed downtown Pittsfield to watch and cheer on the city’s annual Fourth of July parade.

“This parade is part of the fabric of this city,” said Time Coe, a Pittsfield resident. “I’ve been going to this parade since I was born and I’m super excited that we’re back and able to all be together as a community.”

“Berkshire County is one of the best parades you’ll ever go to,” said Lenny Roberts, of the Melha Shriners, who were marching in the parade. “And the people here are fabulous.”

More than a thousand people from 175 organizations marched down South Street Monday morning. The celebration featured several marching bands, 19 different floats, and even giant helium balloons.

Parade committee president Peter Marchetti said it took a team of dozens of volunteers to pull it off.

“I think this is the biggest single event in Berkshire County all year long,” said Marchetti, who also serves as president of the city council. “So we’ve been working all year long to bring back as much normal as she can.”

Leading the way as grand marshal this year was Barrington Stage Company artistic director Julianne Boyd. She was honored to take part in the festivities and to help bring the community together again.

“This is the first parade in three years and we’re all joining together,” said Boyd, who is retiring this fall. “So to me, I have an opportunity just to help bring everybody together and to celebrate Pittsfield.”