February News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

The weather outside might be frightful but our plans for 2019 will surely be delightful. We are gearing up for another great year of fun and festivities, and Bright Nights at Forest Park's 25^th Season.

To help us celebrate throughout the year and entertain 400,000 people, we will be looking for sponsors, supporters and volunteers. We welcome your ideas and suggestions. We hope you join us for the excitement and be sure to tell your friends and followers to join you.

- Judy Matt

President

2019 Season of Fun & Festivities

From flapjacks to fireworks, the Spirit of Springfield will celebrate Springfield's biggest best and brightest throughout 2019. There will be pancakes served in the middle of Main Street on May 11^th. Golfers will take to the tees for the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic on Friday, June 7 ^th at Franconia Golf Course . Star Spangled Springfield will illuminate the city skyline on July 4 ^th . The City of Bright Nights Ball will dazzle and delight while guests dance and dine on November 9 ^th .

The holiday season just grows and glows from there. On November 29, the celebration will be on Main Street for the Parade of the Big Balloons. In December, the 215^th Army Band of the Massachusetts Army National Guard will be back in Springfield Symphony Hall for their annual holiday concert. It is a crowd pleaser.

Bright Nights at Forest Park, as always, is the centerpiece of the holiday season. The 25^th season is sure to offer extra excitement!

AHL All-Star Classic Gets Bright Nights Welcome

To welcome visitors and to celebrate the American Hockey League All-Star Classic, the Springfield Thunderbirds lighting display from Bright Nights at Forest Park was set-up in Court Square on Wednesday, January 23, 2019. The installation of the display was a collaborative effort between the Spirit of Springfield, the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, the Springfield Business Improvement District and the Springfield Thunderbirds.

The display was lit in Court Square through Monday, January 28, 2019, when the AHL All-Star game was played at the MassMutual Center.

Bright Nights Memories Update

Bright Nights at Forest Park has made millions

of memories. The Spirit of Springfield is collecting as many as possible for a Bright Nights 25 ^th Season

commemorative book.

Crystal from Warwick, RI wrote, "It was raining and it was me and my son's first time ever going even though it was raining it was so special the way the rain and the lights even more it felt like we were in a movie it was the best time we ever had." (unedited)

Ann from Chicopee, MA said, "Taking the Grandkids for the first time, when it opened, just to see the wonder in their eyes! Amazing!"

Share your Bright Nights memory at brightnights.org/memories and be entered to win Bright Nights prizes!

Bright Nights Survey Results

The results of the Bright Nights Program Book Survey are in and everyone that submitted one will receive a $5-off coupon for admission during the 2019 season.

We learned,

Previously Attended: 84%
Visiting Since 1995: 19%
Visited More Than Once in 2018: 21%
Plan to Visit in the Future: 93%
Visited from Outside the Area: 45%
Visited a Restaurant: 34%
Purchased Amusement Ride Tickets: 10%

Some of the comments included:

"Well done. My last visit was 20 years ago." - James from Springfield, MA

"Great display. Kids loved it!" - Susan from South Yarmouth, MA

"My son loves Bright Nights. We go weekly." - Ashley from West Hartford, CT

"Lights were the best we've ever seen." - Margaret from Troy, NY

BREAKING NEWS

Sign up now! Reserve a space on Main Street to showcase your business or community service organization at the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 11^th from 8am to 11am.

It is a great opportunity to meet one-on-one with the community, display products and make people aware of the services available.

Visit spiritofspringfield.org to get on the Main Street map!

In This Issue

2019 Season of Fun & Festivites

AHL All-Star Classic Gets Bright Nights Welcome

Bright Nights Memories Update

Bright Nights Survey Results

Breaking News!

Guest Column - Jesse Baker

Bright Nights Season Pass

Guest Column

Jesse Baker

180 Fit Gym

It has been nearly a year since I have contributed to the Spirit of Springfield's newsletter. It always amazes me how much can change in such a short time. For our family, we welcomed the birth of our son, Gunnar.

As a new parent, I am realizing just how important it is to be at my best. With less sleep and an inconsistent schedule, I must work hard to keep my nutrition and fitness in check. I am always honored when Judy asks me to provide content for this letter.

2019 is going to be your year to carve out time in your busy schedule for health and well bring. 180 Fitness would like to help in creating a healthier you. Whether you are a new parent, a hard working business person, or just someone who is looking to improve, we are here to help.

In February, we are offering a month free membership with new enrollment. Our membership includes top notch equipment, a certified staff, and free group classes. I know how challenging it is to make it to the gym. We are all busy. However, if you work/live in the greater springfield area, let us be your fitness resource.

I look forward to seeing all of you real soon!

Gunnar Baker

7 weeks old

ORDER TODAY!

Just $35 for

All 38 Nights

Dates for 2019

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 11th

8am to 11am

Main Street