November News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

It is almost here! The 23 ^rd annual City of Bright Nights Ball. The 24 ^th season of Bright Nights at Forest Park. The Parade of the Big Balloons. The Bright Nights 5K Road Race. Bright Nights. Military/First Responders Night, Supper with Santa.

It is only with the support of our generous sponsors that we are able to make Springfield the most festive city during the holiday season. After all, it is called the City of Bright Nights.

We hope you enjoy what we have planned.

- Judy Matt
President

City of Bright Nights Ball

On November 10, MGM Springfield will be the place to be and be seen as the Spirit of Springfield presents the City of Bright Nights Ball, sponsored by MGM Springfield. From the moment guests arrive, it will be all about "Putting on the Ritz." Students from Western New England University will be dressed in tuxedoes and tails donated by Formal Affair. The ladies will be dressed in white gowns. The Pioneer Valley Ballet will perform two versions of "Putting on the Ritz."

From the appetizers to the dinner, guests will have their taste buds dancing with delight. The appetizers will be a sampling from MGM Springfield's restaurants. Dinner will be the finest with tenderloin, halibut and roasted cauliflower served as the entrees.

To further support the Spirit of Springfield, there will be a 50/50 raffle, a live auction and a silent auction. The silent auction is open to everyone starting November 3 by going online . Items include tickets to Cher at the MassMutual Center, a Smith & Wesson Firearm, services from Dr. Glen Brooks, jackets from Indian Motorcycle of Springfield, Yankee Mattress, Park Cleaners, Springfield's Great Escape, Delaney's Market, wine tastings, restaurant git cards and so much more.

Bright Nights Countdown

The countdown to the 24 ^th season of Bright Nights is on! The crew from the Springfield Park Department has been hard at work since early October to set up the more than 400 pieces that create displays like the Giant Poinsettia Candles, Winter Woods, Happy Holidays Springfield, and the Victorian Village. They have replaced all the bulbs in Toy Land with new energy efficient LED bulbs. They also shine brighter. The crew, with an assist from the Forestry Division, has hung new drop lighting from the trees.

Watch for an exciting announcement about the new display being added to Bright Nights this year!

Explore More at Bright Nights

Reservations are now being accepted for Supper with Santa, as well as the horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides. These are great ways to make more of your visit to Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Supper with Santa is a special treat for true-believers of all ages. There is a kid-friendly menu at the Barney Carriage House and a place at every table for Santa on Sunday, December 9 and 16. Guests are welcome to take their own photos with Santa.

The horse-drawn wagon rides are a unique way to experience the holiday lights. The tour, which departs from Santa's Magical Forest, brings passengers by Never, Never Land, through Seuss Land, the Garden of Peace and Noah's Ark, and Jurassic World. The horse-drawn wagon is great for groups or individual tickets can be purchased. The carriage is something special for someone's little princess or a couple. It seats up to four adults. There have even been known to have engagements on the tour.

For more information, visit brightnights.org/activities.

Parade of the Big Balloons is Back!

Springfield's own 75-foot inflatable Cat in the Hat will be back for the Parade of the Big Balloons on Friday, November 23 at 11am. Musical, marching and motorized contingents will be joining the Cat in the Hat and a few of his inflatable friends for a holiday procession on Main Street. It is all to welcome Santa back to Springfield for the holiday season.

Santa will arrive high atop Springfield Fire Department Ladder #1. He will be waving to the crowd and watching out for good girls and boys.

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.

Holiday Concert by 215th Army Band

With its 40-musicians, the 215 ^th Army Band will fill the stage and fill the air with the mellifluous sounds on Sunday, December 9 at 2pm in Springfield Symphony Hall. The concert, sponsored by Mercy Medical Center and Trinity Health New England, will include holiday favorites and military standards.

Tickets will be available at Big Y World Class Markets Western Massachusetts locations, Mercy Medical Center, the Spirit of Springfield and by sending a self-addressed stamped envelope to Spirit of Springfield, 1350 Main Street, Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103.

The concert is free, but tickets are recommended.

Congratulations, Early!

For more than 38 years, Early Crenshaw was an employee of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, and a strong supporter of the Spirit of Springfield. He was always there when we needed him whether if it was the sound system for the September 11 ^th Remembrance Ceremony, organizing the Bright Nights Road Race or assisting with last minute details at the Bright Nights gift shop.

We wish Early all the best as he enjoys his retirement!

BREAKING NEWS

Only two weeks left to purchase a Bright Nights Season Pass! Price is just $50 for admission to Bright Nights at Forest Park as many times as a car can handle during the 2018 season.

It also includes a coupon book full of savings at Bright Nights and area businesses.

For more information visit brightnights.org .

In This Issue

City of Bright Nights Ball

Bright Nights Countdown

Explore More at Bright Nights

Parade of the Big Balloons is Back!

Congratulations, Early!

Breaking News!

Guest Column - Dinesh Patel & Vid Mitta

Guest Column

Dinesh Patel and

Vid Mitta

Partners, Tower Square

I f you haven't seen the Parade of The Big Balloons on the day after Thanksgiving at least once, you're truly missing an amazing event! As the new owners of Tower Square, we're excited to continue this 27-year-old tradition put on by The Spirit of Springfield through our lead sponsorship. One of the many goals we had in mind when we purchased the building was that of a strong commitment to the local community. Our participation in this event is just one way of fulfilling that aspiration.

The Parade is an example of the dedication of business and community leaders to Springfield's exciting revitalization. By bringing people into the city to enjoy all it has to offer - and seeing joy on the faces of children of all ages - we're all a part of a priceless memory that will last for years to come.

Join in the fun on November 23 as we kick-off the 2018 holiday season!

BIDDING STARTS

NOVEMBER 3

Silent Auction

Cher Tickets

Ski Lift Tickets

White Lion Brewing

Kate Spade

Mermaid Pillow

Simply Serendipity

and more!

R EGISTER TODAY

Dates for 2018

City of Bright Nights Ball

Saturday, November 10

6:30pm to 11pm

MGM Springfield