November News from the Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest Best and Brightest!

Despite the crisis, we thought it was important to try to continue with some type of normalcy.

It has been a long time coming, but it's almost here, Bright Nights at Forest Park's 26th season!

We never doubted that Mayor Sarno, the Springfield Park Department and the Health Department would give us the go ahead to bring our beacon of hope and light to you. We are grateful that we can bring families together in a safe environment during these dark times.

Perhaps for a few moments, we can forget this past year and enjoy the Spirit of the Season. We hope everyone leaves our magical journey feeling joy and the holiday glow only Bright Nights can give.

-- Judy Matt

President

Bright Nights 5K Goes Virtual

Springfield’s favorite race, the Bright Nights 5K Road Race, will be virtual in 2020 due to COVID-19. Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt made the announcement for the Bright Nights 5K Virtual Run on Monday, November 2^nd. She was joined by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Richard Swift, President and Chief Executive Officer of Health New England, Attorney Melinda Phelps, Spirit of Springfield Board Chair, as well as sponsors and supporters.

Registration for the Bright Nights 5K Virtual Run, sponsored by Health New England, opened Wednesday, November 4^th, at 12noon and will close Wednesday, November 11^th at 12noon. The first 250 to complete the registration will be eligible for early registration for the 2021 Bright Nights 5k Road Race, an event that sells out in a matter of hours. All runners will receive a beautiful long-sleeve shirt, bulb necklace, selfie sign to showcase their running time and location, and a complimentary ticket to Bright Nights at Forest Park.

Participants will run the route of their choice. Suggested locations include through neighborhood holiday lights, in Forest Park before the lights go on, or a place that offers holiday inspiration. Times and photos will be submitted online. Photos will also be judged for costume creativity.

In addition to Health New England, the Bright Nights 5K Virtual Run is supported by Freedom Credit Union and Siemens.

To learn more, visit brightnights.org.

Bright Nights Gets Ready to Glow

For more than a month, a hardworking crew from the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management have been building displays, hanging lights and getting ready for Bright Nights at Forest Park’s 2020 season.

At the same time, the Spirit of Springfield staff has been coming up with creative ideas to keep the event safe, implement ways to keep it interactive with social distancing, securing sponsors, and working on a new Bright Nights’ children’s book and accompanying stuffed toy.

Tickets will be sold online for $23 per car plus a $1 convenience fee. Big Y World Class Market will begin selling tickets at all of their stores starting November 12^th for just $16.50 per ticket.

To follow COVID-19 safety protocols, tickets must be purchased in advance and visitors must stay in their vehicles.

Springfield Rotary Helps to Mask Up

Bright Nights

Thanks to the Springfield Rotary Club the Bright Nights at Forest Park staff will be outfitted with personal protection masks. They were presented to Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt on October 19^th on the City Hall Esplanade.

During the presentation, the Springfield Rotary Club also presented masks to the Springfield Police and Fire Departments, Shriners Hospital for Children, SquareOne and other non-profit organizations.

Special thank you to Attorney Maurice Poe for reaching out to the Spirit of Springfield.

Bright Nights Named Best of the Best

Bright Nights at Forest Park, the Northeast’s premier holiday lighting event, has been named to the American Bus Association’s “Best of the Best” for 2020. The list includes attractions and events from throughout the United States and Canada. Bright Nights is the only holiday lighting event chosen for the distinction.

“This year, we felt it was more important than ever to celebrate destinations and attractions that are providing inspiration during an especially challenging year,” according to the American Bus Association’s Destinations Magazine (November/December 2020).

Bright Nights at Forest Park is featured in the Festival and Events category along side Eastern States Exhibition, Home of the Big E, Philadelphia Flower Show, and the Quilt Gardens Along the Heritage Trail in Elkhart, Indiana.

Support for Bright Nights Grows

The Spirit of Springfield is pleased to have the support of so many sponsors for Bright Nights at Forest Park. There are several new supporters whose signs will be on display in the park. They include American Medical Response and C & S Wholesale Grocers. In addition, there are two sponsors returning to Bright Nights, Mercy Medical Center and Smith & Wesson.

It is with the support of the corporate community and the partnership with the City of Springfield that the Spirit of Springfield has been able to make Bright Nights at Forest Park a 26-year tradition.

In this Issue

• Bright Nights 5K Goes

Virtual

• Bright Nights Gets

Ready to Glow

• Springfield Rotary Helps

Mask Up Bright Nights

• Bright Nights Named

Best of the Best

• Bright Nights Welcomes

New Sponsors

• Guest Column -

Richard Swift

Health New England

• Bright Nights Season

Pass

Guest Column

Richard Swift,

President & CEO,

Health New England

I first heard about Bright Nights in Forest Park on a trip to the area a decade ago. Even then I knew it was an amazing family destination, and now it’s clear that Bright Nights 2020 is more important than ever. Health New England has been a proud supporter of the Spirit of Springfield since the beginning, and this year is no different. We are committed to investing in our communities, improving the health and lives of the people we serve, and are focused on sharing healthy experiences for all.

Since I arrived in Springfield, I have come to understand how much an annual event such as the Bright Nights 5K is much more than just a run. It’s a tradition - an experience that brings the entire community together in an often chilly, but always festive way. Sometimes traditions have to change a bit. While this year might look a little different, making the choice to run where it works best for you, whether it’s Brooklyn or Brightwood, is not only a commitment to your own health, it’s an important way to come together in celebration of the spirit and strength of the people who live and work here.

On behalf of Health New England, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season.