Sometimes you wonder if the civic boosters in Pittsfield are delusional with their manic enthusiasm for everything that is happening in their town on the rebound. Could the heavily hyped 3rd Thursdays really be as lively, entertaining, and exhilarating as advertisd? We're happy to report that on July 17, Pittsfield was indeed a bona fide happening. Thousands of people jammed the sidewalks (maybe North Street should be closed to cars next time?) and there was plenty to buy, taste, smell and gawk at. There was Brazillian street food, live music of every sort and a surfeit of face painting. OK, it's not exactly a rural road trip, but it is an authentic, pulsing urban street fair with a diverse group of local vendors (as well as a farmer's market) and a surprising sense of esprit de corps. If only Pittsfield could bottle the magic so that its downtown felt like a big party every night of every month.
A small plaza on North Street was turned into a giant sand box and dance floor where kids dug and danced to the Kripalu drummers.
Charnell Moore encouraged passerby to view the Birdhouse Silent Auction sponsored by the Pittfield Garden Tour which takes place on July 19 & 20 (Information: 413-445-5583); Erin Bristol and Heidi Geamann of Pittsfield Panty Raid Roller Derby Team/
Mitch and Seth Nash of Blue Q parked a moving truck on North Street and turned it into a boutique for the night.
Leslie Taft of {encode="bluemoonshrooms@verizon.net" title="Blue Moon Shrooms"}; Nylah and Nasiah Johnson.
The performance artists known as the Silver Swimmers wandered the streets.
Musicians of all ages and denominations played throughout the city
Chapters, a new independent bookstore at 78 North Street, opened its doors for the first time on July 17; Artist Morgan Bulkeley chats with the Ferrin Gallery's Donald Clark, after installing a show he guest curated called "Boston Ten," which features works of his old friends.
Future chefs—Sarah Maoak, Matt Shepherd and Danielle Barnes—who learned to cook in the Pittsfield schools' culinary arts program served their award winning chocolate flapjacks
