Pittsfield celebrates 200+ years of July 4th parades

PITTSFIELD, Mass. (NEWS10) -- Pittsfield's Fourth of July parade has been a tradition since 1824, making it one of the oldest Independence Day parades in the entire country, and this year marks the 201st celebration.

The parade featured floats, vintage cars, marching bands, dance groups and other local organizations. The Pittsfield community says that this parade is more than just a celebration—it’s a cherished tradition that brings people together year after year.

"I mean people come all over. It means a great deal, it really does, to everybody you know, it’s just something we look forward to, to start off the summer and to celebrate just being in Pittsfield. We love our little city."

Lori Allessio, Pittsfield Resident

Small town spirit like that has kept the parade thriving for the last 200 years, and that's what will keep it going for generations to come.

The theme of this year's parade was "Young At Heart", celebrating those who created the celebration tradition as well as the youth of Pittsfield.