PITTSFIELD — On Saturday, the city's Fourth of July parade doubled as a celebration of America's 250th birthday and the generations that have shaped the Berkshires.

The Moodus Drum and Fife Corps march in the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

The 1½-mile parade stepped off at 10 a.m. from the intersection of South Street and East and West Housatonic streets, then traveled north along North Street before ending at Wahconah Park.

This year’s theme, “America 250 – Pittsfield Celebrates the Generations," marks the nation’s 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, while centering the people, places and stories that have shaped Pittsfield and the Berkshires across generations.

Parade Grand Marshal Vincent Marino waves to the crowd during the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

"It's great that we have this longstanding tradition, and people are taking part in it," said Pittsfield Parade Committee Member Pete White. "We've been out here since 6:15 this morning and it was awesome driving down the street a little before that, seeing all the chairs lined up, and everyone's just excited for a break."

The day began at 9 a.m. with Berkshire Health Systems’ Fourth of July 5K, sending runners along city streets as families were already setting up chairs to claim curb space.

The annual Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade begins on North Street.

Parade-goers staked out their spots hours earlier, lining sidewalks with camp chairs, coolers and flags. By the time the first police motorcycles turned off South Street, onlookers were packed shoulder to shoulder along North Street.

Spectators line up along North Street to watch the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

Over the next two hours, more than 130 groups marched or rolled along the route, including military and veterans organizations, marching bands and drum corps, dance troops, youth sports teams, local nonprofits, cultural organizations and businesses.

Members of 413 Cheer perform in the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

The parade is organized each year by the Pittsfield Parade Committee, which White said depends on volunteers and donations to bring in bands and build the lineup.

Premium Waters Inc. Plant Manager Peter Tatro, dressed as an eagle, was a crowd favorite at the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

"We're going to need more volunteers for the great committee to keep us going," he said.

All Berkshire Dance and Terpsichore Dance Center perform together in the 2026 Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade on Saturday.

Midway through the procession was Grand Marshal Vin Marinaro, recognized for decades spent leading, mentoring and teaching Pittsfield residents of all ages.

Throughout his career, Marinaro has educated students in Catholic schools, led programs at the Catholic Youth Center, volunteered with the Pittsfield Rotary Club and dedicated years to serving older adults through the city's senior center.

Eric Culpo, driving in the Pittsfield Fourth of July Parade with Cantarella School of Dance, waits for the parade to begin on Saturday.