March Updates from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Bright Nights Appreciation Breakfast. It is important for us to show our gratitude to the team that is dedicated to insuring the success of the event and the sponsors who support it. It was a treat to have the Springfield Thunderbirds as a part of the festivities.

Plans for Bright Nights 23rd season are already underway.

- Judy Matt
President

Appreciation to All at Bright Nights Breakfast

It was time to say "Thank You" to so many that support Bright Nights at Forest Park, from the crew that installs, removes and maintains the displays, creative minds and the corporate community. They all play a part in the success of the Northeast's premier holiday lighting experience.

The Springfield Thunderbirds were a part of the festivities, presenting team jerseys to the Bright Nights' Park Department employees. In turn, they were presented with Bright Nights sweatshirts.

Everyone attending the breakfast was there to be thanked as each, in their own way, is a proponent for Bright Nights.

Colonel Keefe Honored

For many years, Colonel James Keefe has served as the Wing Commander for the 104th Fighter Group at Barnes Air National Guard Base. Before he takes his next assignment, the Spirit of Springfield presented him with an official jacket to show appreciation for the commitment he has made to the community and the Spirit of Springfield.

Colonel Keefe has attended nearly every Spirit of Springfield event from the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast to the City of Bright Nights Ball. He has even served as the Parade of the Big Balloons Marshall and welcomed officers and soldiers at Bright Nights Military/First Responders Night.

Thanks to Chris Teebo Films

It started with a Facebook Message and has evolved into a wonderful relationship between the Spirit of Springfield and Chris Teebo Films. They have since produced several television advertisements for Bright Nights and the Spirit of Springfield 25th Anniversary video.

To show appreciation for the work Chris and Missy Thibault have done and donated to the Spirit of Springfield, Judy Matt presented Chris with jackets for he and Missy.

Spring is Coming!

As we watch the snow melt and wait for the next winter blast, the Spirit of Springfield is planning for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast. We have reached out to area businesses to donate everything from the pancake batter and syrup to the plates they will be served on.

Letters have also been sent to organizations that volunteer to serve the feast. Gleason Johndrow Landscaping has already agreed to work side by side with the Massachusetts Army National Guard to coordinate event logistics.

Many use the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast to showcase their products and talents. McDonald's will be bringing their Happiness Tour to the flapjack feast. MetroPCS and United Personnel Services have reserved exhibitor tables, and area dancers and performers are preparing their routines.

To learn how you can be a part of the fun on Saturday, May 13, visit spiritofspringfield.org or email staff@spiritofspringfield.org.

Breaking News!

The Spirit of Springfield is honored and proud to be a part of Congressman Richard Neal's announcement today regarding Springfield's Union Station.

Learn how you can be a part of history.

In This Issue

Bright Nights Appreciation Breakfast

Colonel Keefe Honored

Thanks to Chris Teebo Films

Spring is Coming

Breaking News

Guest Column - Chris Russell, Springfield Business Improvement District

Get Involved!

Guest Column

Chris Russell,

Executive Director,

Springfield Business Improvement District

As the warmer weather approaches, we here at the Springfield BID can't help but get excited for all the events that we will producing in downtown Springfield.

We are kicking off the season with our 15th annual Mummers Tour. The Aquastring Band will be making its annual appearance on March 16th. They will be performing live at Theodores, followed by their St. Patrick's Day Bus tour on the 17th with stops at the Student Prince, Uno's and Plan B amongst others. Now entering its 3rd year, Restaurant Week will take place April 21st - April 30th. During this week-long event, restaurants and the community are invited to come together to experience Springfield's great dining venues.

It is with great pleasure we bring back our weekly programming. Beginning in mid-May through early fall, patrons can once again enjoy our Monday Night Cruise Nights in Court Square, White Lion Wednesdays, Thunderbird Thursdays and the Downtown Farmer's Market in Tower Square Park on Fridays. Live music and food vendors will be present at most of these events. We encourage you to come on down and join us as we celebrate all the downtown community has to offer.

As always, the Business Improvement District is looking forward to working with the Spirit of Springfield on the World's Pancake Breakfast the Star Spangled Springfield, and all of their other events. These city events are staples in our community that everyone looks forward to every year and we are glad to be a part of them. It is a great pleasure to work with Judy and her team, their hard work and dedication to this city is inspiring.

Through ALL of these events, we continue to build a city which attracts a wide audience to live, work, and play. To learn more, visit springfielddowntown.com.

GET INVOLVED!

WORLD'S LARGEST PANCAKE BREAKFAST

Saturday, May 13

8AM to 11AM

Donate - Volunteer

Exhibit - Entertain

REGISTER ON-LINE

2017 Calendar of Events!

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 13

8AM to 11AM

Main Street