Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive by fire engine at Friday's Christmas tree lighting.
The fir's grown about a foot since last year and should reach 30 to 50 feet when mature.
Ward 2 Brittany Noto, at-Large Councilor Alisa Costa, Council President Peter White, Mayor Peter Marchetti, Ward 5 Councilor Patrick Kavey and Ward 1 Councilor Kenneth Warren at the tree lighting.
Annual Wreath Art Auction held at the Lichtenstein Center For the Arts.
The Festival of Tree opens at the Berkshire Museum.
Parks manager James McGrath and local children light the tree.
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The downtown was bustling with holiday cheer as the city lit its growing Christmas tree on Friday.
The fir has shot up about a foot since being planted in Park Square last year, now standing about 10 feet tall. It will typically reach 30-50 feet tall and 15-25 feet wide when mature.
"Our community has been gathering here at this park for events for hundreds of years,” Parks, Open Space and Natural Resource Manager James McGrath said.
"Fun fact: Did you know that the very first agricultural fair ever held in America was held right here on Park Square in 1810? So Park Square is, and always has been, the heartbeat of our city.”
Two local children helped light the tree before Santa and Mrs. Claus rounded the park on a firetruck. Later on, every child had a chance to voice their Christmas wishes to Santa.
This was Mayor Peter Marchetti’s first tree lighting in the position and he said it was a pleasure to be there. Several city councilors braved the frigid weather with him.
"I read all the Facebook comments and read all the stuff and I'm happy to see everyone here today,” he said. "And regardless of what holiday season you celebrate, on behalf of myself and the members of the Pittsfield City Council, we want to wish you a happy holidays.”
McGrath said the holidays remind us of who we are and the importance of family, community, and shared values that guide us.
"This sense of community spirit underlines what a truly special city that we live in. No matter what the challenges our community faces, people pull together in this town to overcome adversity. As Pittsfielders, let's take the time to celebrate the small things that we have to be thankful for and continue to do what we do best: embrace all of our neighbors with the warmth of connection, the joy of giving, and the spirit of togetherness,” he said.
"The season is a reminder to cherish the moments with loved ones we hold dear, to reflect on the blessings in our lives, and to spread kindness wherever we go. May your holiday sparkle with moments of love, laughter, and goodwill, and may the year ahead be full of contentment and joy.”
The Pittsfield Girl Scouts collected non-perishable food items for the Christian Center's food pantry at the event.
The tree lighting is complemented by Downtown Pittsfield Inc.'s Festive Frolic, which continued the next day. Right after the event, the Office of Cultural Development's 10th annual Wreath Art Auction was held at the Lichtenstein Center For the Arts.
On Friday evening, admission to the Berkshire Museum's Festival of Trees was free and there was free hot chocolate and photo ops with the Grinch at Otto’s Kitchen & Comfort. Saturday offered a Holiday Market downtown, a bazaar at the Holiday Inn, a free kids' paint and sip at St. Stephen's Parish, photo ops with Santa, and the kickoff of a holiday Where's Winston Scavenger Hunt.
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