January News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

The Spirit of Springfield had a great 2018 and we are excited for 2019. We plan to continue the traditions we started 29 years ago and hope to add some new ones. Our goal, after all, is to bring the community together in celebration.

Thank you for your support in 2018 and we look forward to your continued participation in 2019.

Happy New Year!

- Judy Matt

President

Great Year for Bright Nights

Bright Nights at Forest Park had another great year. For the third consecutive year, attendance at Bright Nights increased. News of the lights seems to travel further and further, and those that attended the event as children are now bringing their families.

The Spirit of Springfield also saw an increased interest in visits and Supper with Santa, amusement rides and bringing home a souvenir from the Gift Shop. The horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides were close to sell out. It is all about the experience.

Planning has already begun to create new memories when Bright Nights opens on Wednesday, November 27, 2019, for the 25^th season.

Bright Nights Memories

They are sweet. They are touching. Some go back to the first season. They are Bright Nights memories being collected for a 25 ^th season souvenir book, special section on The Republican and for the program book.

Russ from Southwick, MA, recalls the visiting opening night in 1995 with his new wife and how it has become a tradition with for his family of five. Patricia from Feeding Hills recants her recent trip that included Supper with Santa at the Barney Carriage House with eight family members spanning four generations.

Share your Bright Nights memory today at brightnights.org/memories.

Big Y to Bright Nights

Employees and their families from two Big Y World Class Markets made the trek from Connecticut, Monroe and Killingly, to Bright Nights by bus. They snacked and sang songs. When they got to Bright Nights, they were in awe of the magnificent lighting displays.

The Spirit of Springfield was pleased to host the Big Y World Class Markets employees so they can serve as Bright Nights ambassadors in their stores.

During the holiday season, they sold more than 3,600 advance tickets to Bright Nights.

Letters to Santa

With the help of some scribes at the Spirit of Springfield, 929 letters addressed to Santa at Bright Nights were answered. The letters were personalized and offered holiday wishes.

At the Bright Nights Gift Shop, a blank letter was available. Visitors filled in why they were looking forward to the holidays, their favorite part of Bright Nights, and four things they were wishing for on Christmas. There were lots of requests for LOL Dolls, Paw Patrol toys and candy.

Some of Santa's letters were sent to as far away as South Carolina.

New Members Added to Board

The Spirit of Springfield will begin the new year with two more people on the Board of Directors.

After a two-year hiatus, John Sjoberg has returned to further his support for the Spirit of Springfield. John is President of New England Business Machines and serves as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Sisters of Providence Health System and Mercy Medical Center.

Jonathan Berthiaume will be bringing his marketing experience and his love for Springfield to the Board. Jon is employed by MassMutual in Brand Development.

BREAKING NEWS

Get 2019 Bright Nights Season Pass with some extra perks

For just $35 through January 30, purchase the 2019 Bright Nights Season Pass, get an extra ticket admission for a friend and four complimentary tickets to the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast.

In This Issue

Great Year for Bright Nights

Bright Nights Memories

Big Y to Bright Nights

Letters to Santa

Breaking News!

Guest Column - Mayor Sarno

Happy New Year

Guest Column

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno

City of Springfield

As we have now entered 2019, my many thanks go out to our Spirit of Springfield team - from Judy and Amy to the Board of Directors- and of course our very generous business community and hundreds of dedicated volunteers, your/our events make us a first-class city.

Your continued belief and investment in our Springfield is so deeply appreciated!' Though you can put a price tag on the economic development spin-off - you can't put a price tag on the morale boost this gives to Springfield and Western Massachusetts. 2019 and beyond hold very exciting times for our city. Now is our time to shine as the capital of Western Massachusetts.

Together as one, we will all continue to make our Springfield strong and proud.

Happy New Year and continued success. God Bless.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Wishing You a Safe, Happy & Healthy 2019!

Judy, Amy,

Nicole & Marielle

Dates for 2019

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 11th

8am to 11am

Main Street