𝗝𝘂𝗹𝘆 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗦𝗽𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 🇺🇸

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest!

We are ready to celebrate America’s 250th birthday and MassMutual’s 175th! We hope you are too. We are going to make it a Star Spangled Springfield with more than 60 musicians from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra and hundreds of shells that will be fired from the Memorial Bridge to create a masterpiece in the sky.

Just like all of the Spirit of Springfield events, this is a community effort—sponsors, donors, volunteers, media supporters, public safety, and beyond.

It is all for Springfield, our neighbors, and visitors. Star Spangled Springfield is one more reason We Love Springfield! Happy 175th MassMutual! Happy 250th America! 🇺🇸

-- Judy Matt

President

Star Spangled Springfield

Star Spangled Springfield, sponsored by MassMutual, will be an evening filled with musical performances, pyrotechnics, patriotism, and anniversaries! The crowds are expected to fill Riverfront Park and overflow to wherever the fireworks can be seen. Blankets and lawn chairs recommended!

On Saturday, July 4, 2026, the Independence Day festivities will be held from 6pm to 10pm in Riverfront Park. They will begin with activities for children and food vendors offering a variety of items from steak and cheese grinders and fried dough to ice cream and other sweet treats.

At 7pm, guests will be greeted by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno; U. S. Congressman Richard Neal; Colonel Steven Reynolds, Deputy Commander of the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base; Dennis Duquette, Head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual and President and CEO of the MassMutual Foundation; Spirit of Springfield Board Chair John Sjoberg and President Judy Matt; and Springfield Symphony Orchestra President Heather Caisse-Roberts and with Areta Odiah, WWLP-22NEWS reporter/anchor, serving as the emcee.

The Springfield Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Thomas Bergeron, will then present “The American Canon.” The program of American symphonic music will span over 200 years of memorable selections. Joining the orchestra will be Springfield songstress Vanessa Ford performing “Star Spangled Banner,” “Lift Every Voice,” and “America the Beautiful.” The concert includes music by Aaron Copland, Duke Ellington, Jessie Montgomery, Florence Price, John Philip Sousa, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, and John Williams, among others. There will be “Bukaroo Holiday,” “Liberty Bell March,” “Ellington Fantasy,” John Williams’ “Star Wars Main Theme” and “Hymn to the Fallen,” and of course, the “1812 Overture,” and more.

At 9:30pm, chairs will shift from facing south for the Springfield Symphony Orchestra, to the Memorial Bridge to the north for an incredible fireworks display. The audience, both in Riverfront Park and from vantage points all around, will be dazzled by the “rockets’ red glare” of Fireworks by Grucci’s pyrotechnic wizardry. There will be chrysanthemums, comets, snakes, willows, waterfalls, and more that will burst with brilliant colors and sonic booms. They will dance to songs selected just for the show, which will be broadcast in the park and on Mix 93.1 FM. There will be 250s in the sky for America and 175s for MassMutual.

Children will enjoy free face painting and balloon artists, and the Springfield Armory National Historic Site will have tricorn hat making and more from 6pm to 8pm. The first 1,000 will receive a free American Flag. Riverfront Park also features a splash pad that will keep the kids cool.

This year’s Star Spangled Springfield is a collaboration between the Spirit of Springfield, Springfield Symphony Orchestra, and the City of Springfield. The concert is being underwritten by the City of Springfield, MassMutual, Music Performance Trust Fund, and the Springfield Business Improvement District. The fireworks show is sponsored by MassMutual. The evening is also supported by 90 Meat Outlet, Affordable Waste Solutions, American Medical Response (AMR), Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, Hilton Garden Inn, iHeart Media (Mix 93.1 FM), Joseph Freedman Company, MGM Springfield, Michael’s Party Rentals, Quality Beverage, Springfield Parking Authority, The Republican, WWLP-22News, and the City of Springfield including the building, fire, parks, police, and public works departments.

Learn more at spiritofspringfield.org.

WWLP-TV22 is helping to spread the word . .

Star Spangled Springfield Safety

It is safety first when it comes to Star Spangled Springfield! Law enforcement and public safety officials from Springfield, state, county and the region met to discuss details including street closures, fire watch, water safety, emergency response and more.

In and around Riverfront Park, officials will be enforcing:

• No pets

• No alcohol

• No smoking

• No bicycles

• No skateboards

• No roller blades

• No drones

• No sparklers

• No fireworks

The bicycle path north of Riverfront Park will be closed to West Street for the fireworks show.

The goal is to make Star Spangled Springfield a safe and friendly environment for all to enjoy the music, food, festivities, and fireworks.

Star Spangled Traffic Alert

To manage traffic, the Springfield Police Department will be working with the Springfield Department of Public Works on street closures and detours on July 3rd and 4th for Star Spangled Springfield.

Beginning Thursday, July 3rd at 11pm, the Memorial Bridge will be closed to all traffic, vehicular and pedestrian, to allow for the setup of the fireworks. The bridge will reopen after it has been cleaned and cleared of all debris on Friday, July 4th around 11pm.

On Friday, July 4th, streets around Riverfront Park will close as needed as the time gets closer to the fireworks. The Massachusetts State Police will block exit ramps into Springfield’s Downtown around 7pm. These include I-91 Northbound Exit 5 (Union Street), and I-91 Southbound Exits 5A (Union Street) and 5B (Memorial Bridge).

The Springfield Parking Authority is offering $10 parking in the I-91 North and South Garages, Columbus Center Garage, and Union Station Garage.

When leaving, please be patient. The Springfield Police Department has a full complement of officers directing traffic.

Star Spangled Menu

Food vendors in Riverfront Park will offer a variety of delicious items to enjoy. From 6pm to 9:30pm, they will be served by Batch Ice Cream, Mathis Munchies, Riga Bella’s Fried Dough, Sweetera & Co., and Elegant Affairs. They will be cooking up and serving up hamburgers, hot dogs, pulled pork, sausage and pepper grinders, walking tacos, kabobs, Philly cheese fries, milkshakes, sundaes, smoothies, lemonade, water, soda, beer, wine, and more.

The Springfield Water Department will dispense refreshing Springfield water until 8pm.

So Many Support The Spirit

Throughout the year, hundreds of local businesses support the Spirit of Springfield. Their contributions vary, from small acts of generosity to underwriting major events. They share a common goal: bringing the community together in celebration. These supporters range from small, locally owned companies to Fortune 500 organizations.

Star Spangled Springfield is a sparkling example of this collective effort. While MassMutual serves as the lead sponsor, the event’s success relies on a strong network of community partners. 90 Meat Outlet is generously providing food for 500 guests, prepared and served by Elegant Affairs to host the performing symphony musicians, public safety personnel, and the many donors who help make the celebration happen. Michael’s Party Rentals contributes the tents, tables, and chairs.

Logistics and behind-the-scenes support are equally vital. Charlie Arment Trucking and Affordable Waste Solutions coordinate the delivery of flatbed trailers from the Joseph Freedman Company for the fireworks display. The Hilton Garden Inn provides overnight accommodations for the fireworks team, and iHeart Media donates its services to synchronize music with the pyrotechnics, enhancing the overall experience.

Public safety is also a top priority. American Medical Response maintains a strong onsite presence, while United Site Services supplies portable restrooms for first responders.

Together, these partnerships highlight the generosity and community spirit that make Star Spangled Springfield a memorable and meaningful celebration year after year.

Golf Classic Winners

The Spirit of Springfield was the big winner at the annual Golf Classic, but others took home trophies and prizes. Agawam Mayor Chris Johnson putted his way to victory beating Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt out of the Mayor’s Cup, sponsored by Charlie Arment Trucking and Deer Park Recycling.

At the end of the day, it was the team from Charlie Arment Trucking who took home the Joe Superneau Award for the lowest score in the scramble-style tournament. The team included Will Arment, Ron Doe, Jeff Carabetta, and Michael Hastie, and their cheerleader, Dan Arment. Second place went to the team from the Springfield Fire Department, Drew Piemonte and Matt Donnelan. Michael Frydryk won Longest Drive in the men’s category and Kelly McGiverin in the women’s category. Closest-to-the-Pin honors went to Tito Truoiolo for the men and Cheryl Clapprood for the women. Roy Caso took home the MGM Springfield prize package for the “Hit the Green Challenge.”

The money raised from the event will support the Spirit of Springfield’s mission to bring the community together in celebration.

We Love Springfield ❤️

Springfield in the summer! There are concerts, outdoor dining, two weekly farmers markets, and the return of the Springfield Jazz & Roots Festival on Friday, July 10th and Saturday, July 11th in Court Square. The two-day musical festival is a free downtown celebration of jazz, roots, local talent, youth arts, and community connection.

Tuesday are for The Farmers’ Market at Forest Park, Wednesdays are for White Lion at the Pridelands. Thursdays are for the Lawn Party at The Landing and Lobzilla at the Student Prince. Fridays are back at The Landing for the Downtown Farmers’ Market, and in the evening it is Free Music Fridays at MGM Springfield. Tuesday through Sunday enjoy Uno’s Chicago Grill’s Summer Concerts.

On Saturday, July 18th, the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club will host the Springfield Dragon Boat Festival. There will be club teams, community teams, and racing teams to cheer on and activities and demonstrations. Admission is free.

For those looking to escape the summer heat, 52 Sumner will be presenting “Aladdin – Dual Language Musical” on July 10th, 11th, and 12th.

There is so much to love about Springfield in the summer.

Learn more at welovespringfield.com.

ATTRACTION SPOTLIGHT:

MGM Springfield's Free Music Fridays

Free Music Friday has become a Springfield summertime tradition. MGM Springfield brings a full lineup of premier entertainers, and a great variety too. They started in May and they will continue through October 23rd with a hiatus taken during the Big E.

The July performers include “Heartland” bringing country and classics to the stage; “Blizzard of Ozz” with everything Ozzy Osborne; “Simply the Best” which is a tribute to 80’s female rock icons; “Malado,” Springfield’s top R&B and funk band; and finishing up July will be Raquel & Su Nuevo Impacto La Dama de la Voz de Oro, known as "The Lady with the Golden Voice."

Bring your lawn chair, grab a beverage and a bite to eat, and enjoy the free entertainment on MGM Springfield’s Plaza.

Learn more and get the full schedule at mgmspringfield.com.

In this Issue

Star Spangled Springfield

Star Spangled Springfield Promo

Star Spangled Safety

Star Spangled Traffic Alert

Star Spangled Menu

Golf Classic Winners

So Many Support The Spirit

We Love Springfield ❤️

ATTRACTION SPOTLIGHT

MGM Springfield's

Free Music Fridays

Guest Column

Dennis Duquette

MassMutual

Bright Nights Season Pass

Spirit of Springfield Calendar

Supper with Santa

We Love Springfield ❤️

Guest Column

Dennis Duquette

Head of Community Responsibility, MassMutual

President & CEO, MassMutual Foundation

On behalf of our leadership and thousands of its Springfield area associates, MassMutual extends our best wishes for a very Happy July 4th to the residents of Springfield and the surrounding area, especially in this, the 250th anniversary of our nation’s independence. We are delighted once again to support the tremendous effort led by Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield to deliver a first-class July 4th celebration to the shores of the Connecticut River. Special thanks to Mayor Sarno, PBRM Director Ashe, Police Superintendent Akers, Fire Commissioner Calvi, their staffs, as well as the men and women of our Armed Services - all of whom help make this celebration the huge success it is every year.

As we at MassMutual commemorate the 175th anniversary of our founding this year, we reflect upon our rich history long intertwined with that of the City of Springfield; together we share a timeless tradition of community that keeps us strong in great times and even stronger in challenging times. So together, let’s celebrate that special moment 250 years ago, when a nascent group of colonies formed an independent nation and embarked on a trajectory the likes of which the world has never seen. Happy Independence Day to all our fellow citizens here in Springfield and throughout the region.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

2026

Star Spangled Springfield

Saturday, July 4th

6pm - 10pm

7pm - Springfield Symphony Orchestra

9:30pm - Fireworks with Music on Mix 93.1FM

Riverfront Park