August News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Thanks to everyone who joined us in and around Blunt Park for Star Spangled Springfield on July 4
^th! We had great entertainment, family fun and a festive atmosphere. The fireworks were also quite spectacular.

Now, it is time to celebrate the opening of MGM Springfield on August 24.

- Judy Matt
President

Star Spangled Sparkled

First Falcetti Music, then Chloe Reed, followed by Maxxtone and then the fireworks! All this happened on July 4, 2018, in Blunt Park, thanks to the evening's sponsor, MassMutual.

The Spirit of Springfield worked closely with many of the City of Springfield's departments. This included the Springfield Police Department who provided a safe environment and managed the traffic, the Fire Department who ensured a safe fireworks display, and Public Works who assisted with fireworks set-up and clean-up, as well as traffic control. The Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management made the park pristine, and brought power and lights where they were needed. The Springfield Water and Sewer Commission even offered their support with a water station and two light towers.

"I think it was one of the biggest crowds we have ever had," said Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield President. "It was great to bring the event back to the neighborhood and evoke such fond memories."

See more great photos!

Unions Support September 11th Monument

Members of Springfield's September 11 ^th

Fundraising Committee paid a visit to Salmon Studios in Florence (MA) where a team is caringly creating the monument to first responders. They were joined by Springfield Police Officer Joseph Gentile, President of International Brotherhood of Police Officers Local 364, Springfield Fire Lieutenant Drew Piemonte, President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 648, and James Vigliano, representing the Stagehands Union IATSE, Local 53. Each presented Frank Colaccino, Fundraising Committee Chair, with checks for $500.

To-date, $227,000 has been raised through donations large and small. Jim and Melinda each gave $100. Peter donated $50. Max's Tavern gave $500. Mercy Medical Center donated $2,000. There is $73,000 left to raise.

Donations can be sent to Spirit of Springfield/September 11^th Memorial, 1350 Main Street, Suite 1004, Springfield, MA 01103 or at GoFundMe.com.

Follow Springfield's September 11^th Monument on Facebook to stay up-to-date on the monument's progress.

Spin for Ride to Remember

For the sixth year, the Spirit of Springfield will team up with 180 Fit Gym in support of Springfield's Ride to Remember, a charity bicycle ride from Springfield to Boston in honor of officers killed in the line of duty. This year's ride is being dedicated to Weymouth Police Sergeant Michael Chesna and Officer Sean Gannon from the Yarmouth Police Department K-9 Unit.

On Thursday, August 9, 180 Fit Gym will fill the plaza at 1350 Main Street with stationary bicycles and invite people to take a 15-minute spin for $25. A team of five is $125 . To ride at the head of the pack, the donation of $250 is suggested. All riders will receive a souvenir Springfield Ride to Remember t-shirt and refreshments provided by Palazzo Café, Springfield Business Improvement District, and Aaron's Rentals.

Lending Support to MGM Springfield

It is going to be an exciting day for Springfield when MGM Springfield opens its doors on August 24. For months, the Spirit of Springfield has been working with the MGM Springfield team to help with the opening festivities and are joining the Springfield Business Improvement District and the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau to welcome visitors.

Before the doors to MGM Springfield open at 11am on August 24, a procession of employees, trades men and women will parade from State Street to Main Street and then in to Armory Square. They will be led by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and MGM Springfield President Michael Mathis, and followed by the University of Massachusetts/Amherst Marching Band and Cheer Squad and the Budweiser Clydesdales.

In Court Square, there will be greeters, a tent for visitor information, food vendors, the Springfield Water & Sewer Commission's water stations, and entertainment. The goal is to make visitors feel welcome and share information about Springfield and its many great features.

BREAKING NEWS

Just one month left to get a 2018 Bright Nights Season Pass for just $40! It includes a coupon booklet with discounts in the Bright Nights Gift Shop and in the community - Uno's Chicago Grill, CityStage, Basketball Hall of Fame and more!
Buy NOW!

In This Issue

Star Spangled Sparkled

Unions Support September 11th Monument

Spin for Ride to Remember

Leading Support to MGM Springfield

Breaking News

Guest Column - Sarah Moore, MG Springfield

Guest Column

Sarah Moore

Vice President of Vice President of Brand Marketing & Retail,

MGM Springfield

In the lead up to our grand opening, we're thrilled to be working with the Spirit of Springfield to orchestrate a phenomenal historical milestone for this commuity and our future guests.

Seven years ago, our Chairman Jim Murren and President Bill Hornbuckle came to Springfield with a vision for its future and the role MGM Resorts International could play in its renaissance. They shared our goal of bringing the MGM brand of hospitality and entertainment to Western Massachusetts; of creating a destination in the heart of New England that would attract visitors from throughout the region; of delivering much-needed employment opportunities and career growth; and of building something everyone could be proud of. In the time since, we have been welcomed with open arms and are thrilled that the day has arrived to share MGM Springfield with the world.

We are counting down the days and hours until we open our doors. The anticipation from everyone involved in this resort is at a fever pitch, and we are more excited now than ever to see this all become a reality.

I'm honored to be a member of this community now and share in this incredible transformation. I can't wait for you to come roar with us on Friday, August 24.

This is a first. #NewTraditions

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Dates for 2018

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Tuesday, September 11

10am

City of Bright Nights Ball

Saturday, November 10

6:30pm to 12midnight

MGM Springfield