VP Harris to visit Pittsfield

Amidst the anticipation, questions loom regarding whether the event will indeed proceed as planned

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Excitement buzzes through Pittsfield as the city prepares for a potentially historic event this Saturday: a fundraiser featuring Vice President Kamala Harris, who recently launched her campaign for president. Amidst the anticipation, questions loom regarding whether the event will indeed proceed as planned.

"I think people are excited to know that we have the opportunity to host a vice president of the United States, who may potentially be the Democratic nominee for president," remarked Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti, a Democrat who has purchased tickets to the event.

Mayor Marchetti, while confident in the city's ability to handle high-profile gatherings, admitted to uncertainty about the event's specifics. "I don't know any of the details of the number of the people that are event, and I don't even know it's a private event, so I really don't even know who has purchased tickets. So it could be all local, or it could be folks from out of the area," he stated.

This isn't Pittsfield's first brush with political prominence. In 2012, First Lady Michelle Obama visited the city for a campaign rally in support of her husband. Mayor Marchetti expressed faith in the city's preparedness, asserting, "I have faith in all city employees to do what we need to do to ensure that any event that happens in the city of Pittsfield is safe and secure."

According to the Eventbrite page for the fundraiser, tickets have already sold out, promising performances by James Taylor and Yo-Yo Ma, along with insights from historian Heather Cox Richardson.

However, doubts have surfaced regarding the event's future following Harris's presidential campaign launch. "I wondered as soon as I heard that Joe Biden was no longer gonna be running for president whether she would still make it. And then my fingers crossed. I hope she will," shared a local resident.

Efforts to confirm the event's status directly with organizers and performers remained unanswered at the time of reporting. The community eagerly awaits official word on whether Vice President Harris will attend.

For now, Pittsfield remains poised to potentially host a momentous gathering, reflecting both political intrigue and local enthusiasm.