More November News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Here we go! There is no stopping the momentum and the excitement. Bright Nights opens on Wednesday and we will premiere the new Springfield Thunderbirds display. There will be a parade down Main Street, road race to be run, first responders to honor, and that is just the beginning.

We hope you are ready for all the Spirit of Springfield has to offer. I know we are.

Happy Thanksgiving!

- Judy Matt
President

Springfield Thunderbirds Premier

When Bright Nights at Forest Park opens for its

24 ^th season, there will be 3,708 more lights. They will be bringing the new Springfield Thunderbirds display to light. The team's ownership, players and Boomer, the team mascot, will be on hand as the display, which is 70-feet wide and 20-feet high makes its debut.

"Bright Nights has long been a staple of the holiday season in Springfield," said Nathan Costa, Springfield Thunderbirds President. "We are honored to be given this tremendous opportunity to have our own Thunderbirds display visible for thousands of people to behold for years to come. We could not be more excited to be able to illuminate our city during one of the best times of the year."

The display depicts two Springfield Thunderbirds players passing a puck and the team's logo. On the route, it will be seen after visitors pass through the Winter Garden.

Bright Nights Roll Back Night

For opening night, the Spirit of Springfield will be rolling back admission to 1995 prices when Bright Nights at Forest Park opened. The fee will just be $6 per car, and free for Bright Nights Loyalty Card Members.

Attendance on opening night has continued to grow. Last year, attendance exceeded all other opening nights with 1,400 cars. In preparation, Springfield Police Officers have been hired to manage traffic from Longhill Street to The "X".

If you plan to go, please be patient.

Big Y Discounted Tickets

Bright Nights at Forest Park is an affordable destinat ion for the holiday season. With Big Y World Class Markets, it gets even better. Tickets purchased in advance at participating stores are just $14.50. This is a savings of as much as $6.50 for weekend and holiday visitors and $3.50 for weeknights.

Big Y World Class Markets is also a long-time supporter of Bright Nights. They proudly sponsor the American Flag display which visitors enjoy as they enter. The animated fireworks have made it even more spectacular.

Parade Honors Mayor Sarno

Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was named the 2018 Parade of the Big Balloons Marshal. He was presented with his sash and official jacket by Springfield Police Commissioner John Barbieri, who served as the 2017 Parade Marshal, and Spirit of Springfield Board Chair, Attorney Melinda Phelps.

He will lead the annual holiday procession down Main Street on November 23 at 11am from Lyman Street to Margaret Street. He will be followed by the Cat in the Hat, the MGM Lion, Curious George, Buddy the Dinosaur, Strawberry Shortcake, Daniel the Tiger, Santa riding high atop Springfield Fire Department's Ladder #1, and so much more.

After the parade, Tower Square will hold their annual open house and MGM Springfield will open their holiday skating rink.

To assist with the balloons and carry parade banners, volunteers are needed. Balloon wranglers are required to arrive by 9am and their responsibilities will be completed by 2pm. They must be at least 16 years of age and weigh a minimum of 90 pounds. Banner carriers must be at least 10 years old are needed from 10am until approximately 1pm.

To volunteer register on-line at spiritofspringfield.org.

Bright Nights Ball Dazzled

There was a wall of light and chandeliers over the stage at the 2018 City of Bright Nights Ball. Guests were dazzled by it all thanks to JX2 Productions, and then dinner was served. The MGM Springfield staff synchronized their service as they presented salads, dinners, and desserts.

The guests had nothing but high praise for MGM Springfield's culinary and catering staff. This included Anthony Caratozzolo, Vice President Food & Beverage, Valentin Mihail, Director of Food & Beverage, Michelle Salamone, Director of Banquets, Chef Nate Waugaman, Property Executive Chef, Banquet Chef Anthony Piedra, and Pastry Chef Sean Ambrose, along with Jason Rosewell, Vice President of Facilities, and Jason Rucker, Executive Director of Security.

Keeping guests on track all night were students from Western New England University. They gave directions to the reserved parking, greeted them in the casino and escorted them to the reception. The women had their hair and makeup done by Digrigoli School of Cosmetology and the men were dressed in top hats and tails from Formal Affair Tuxedo & Tailor Shop.

We have hundreds of photos from the event.

BREAKING NEWS

Tickets for the 215 ^th Army Band Holiday Concert now available!

Free tickets are available at Big Y World Class Markets in Western Mass, Mercy Medical Center Information Desk, 1350 Main Street/One Financial Plaza Security Desk or by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to the Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main Street, Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103.

In This Issue

Thunderbirds Premiere at Bright Nights

Bright Nights Roll Back Night

Big Y Discount Tickets

Parade Honors Mayor Sarno

Bright Nights Ball Dazzled

Breaking News!

Guest Column - Boomer, Springfield Thunderbirds

Guest Column

Boomer

Springfield Thunderbirds

As the symbol of our city, and our beloved hockey team, the Thunderbirds, I am very proud to announce that I will be featured in a brand new lighting display at our own Bright Nights at Forest Park for the 2018 Holiday season.

We have been very proud partners of the Spirit of Springfield, and I have been a mainstay at a number of staple events in downtown Springfield, including the Parade of the Big Balloons and the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast.

Now for the first time ever, I will be flying into Forest Park for the winter season with a hockey-inspired display in T-Birds red, blue, and yellow, which will be admired by adoring fans of all ages for years to come.

The Thunderbirds are thrilled to add this to their already lengthy list of new traditions throughout Springfield and the Pioneer Valley and could not be more privileged to represent the hometown team. #riseup

SUPPER WITH SANTA

RESERVE YOUR SEATS TODAY!

Sundays

December 9 & 16

Barney Carriage House

Call 413-733-3800 for reservations

Dates for 2018

Bright Nights at Forest Park

November 21 - January 1

Closed November 26 & 27

Forest Park, Sumner Avenue

Bright Nights Roll Back Night

Admission $6 per car

November 21

5pm to 9pm

Forest Park, Sumner Avenue

Parade of the Big Balloons
Friday, November 23

11am

Main Street

Sponsored by Tower Square and MGM Springfield

Bright Nights 5K Road Race

SOLD OUT

Monday, November 26

Raindate: November 27

Check-in: 5pm - 6:15pm

Start: 6:30pm

Forest Park

Bright Nights First Responders/Military Night

Wednesday, November 29

Forest Park

Sponsored by Columbia Gas of Massachusetts

Bright Nights $10 Tuesday

Tuesday, December 4 & 10

5pm to 9pm

Forest Park, Sumner Avenue

215th Army Band Holiday Concert

Sunday, December 9

2pm

Springfield Symphony Hall