October 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.

September was a month filled with activity. We hosted two events, Springfield’s September 11^th Remembrance Ceremony and the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic, and most importantly, the announcement of the year. Bright Nights at Forest Park will be open for the holiday season!

Bright Nights will celebrate the season. It will be the beacon of light during a dark year, and it is the perfect example of social distancing.

I am extremely excited that families will be able to come together in their cars, mini-vans, and trucks to enjoy the magical journey through Forest Park.

See you there!

-- Judy Matt

President

Mayor Sarno Said There Will Be a Bright Nights!

With COVID-19 protocols in place for set-up, breakdown and during event operations, Bright Nights at Forest Park has been approved to open on Wednesday, November 25, 2020, for its 26^th season.

For the announcement on September 24^th, Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt was joined by the event’s co-creator, Patrick Sullivan, Executive Director of Springfield’s Department of Parks, Buildings and Recreation Management, Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Helen Caulton-Harris, Commissioner for the Springfield Department of Health and Human Services, Mary Kay Wydra, President of the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau, Paul Picknelly, President of Monarch Enterprises, John Sjoberg, Vice Chair of the Spirit of Springfield, Brian Santaniello, Chair of the Springfield Park Commission, Anthony Cignoli, President of A. L. Cignoli Company, members of the Spirit of Springfield Board and Springfield Park Commission, as well as Bright Nights sponsors and supporters.

“Bright Nights is needed more than ever now, especially in these challenging and surreal times we are currently living in,” stated Mayor Sarno.

Admission will be $23 per car weeknights, weekends and holidays with discounts offered on specified evenings. Advance ticket purchases, online and at participating Big Y World Class Markets, are encouraged.

“We are so pleased that Bright Nights at Forest Park will continue to be a part of the holiday season. It is important we celebrate each and every holiday while staying safe and healthy,” said Matt. “We want to keep the tradition glowing.”

Restrooms will be for emergency use only and the usual bustling gift shop, amusement rides, horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides, and visits with and Supper with Santa will not be available. This will keep all visitors safe and socially distanced in their vehicles during the experience.

“We believe that health is physical, mental, emotional and spiritual, that is very important to us,” noted Commissioner Caulton-Harris during the announcement.

Mayor's Cup Trophy Returns to Chicopee

Chicopee Mayor John Vieau took the Mayor’s Cup Trophy back to Chicopee after putting against Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and Agawam Mayor William Sapelli during the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic at Franconia Golf Course on Friday, September 25^th. Attorney Melinda Phelps, Spirit of Springfield Board Chair and Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas Partner, was there to present the trophy.

The competition was close and all three mayors were there to show their support for the Spirit of Springfield. The putting contest was sponsored by Bulkley, Richardson and Gelinas, LLP.

Former Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos was a five-time winner.

CDM Smith Takes Home Joe Superneau Award

Timothy Dupuis and his team from CDM Smith took home the Joe Superneau Award for the lowest score at the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic. The tournament that was postponed twice from June 5^th to September 25^th was held at Franconia Golf Course.

Players participated in the scramble. They had the opportunity to win additional prizes for longest drive, closest-to-the-pin and a Bum Drum Raffle from tee #5. At tee # 6, the Springfield Business Improvement District sponsored air canon shots. Participants were assured their golf ball would land on the green.

Golfers are already looking forward to be back at Franconia Golf Course to support the Spirit of Springfield on Friday, June 4, 2021.

See more photos!

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

Attendance at Springfield’s September 11^th Remembrance Ceremony was limited to 50, but the sentiment and emotions were not diminished. Participants gave moving tributes to the lives that were lost, those that they continue to protect, and patriotism.

Remembrances were made by Springfield Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi, Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood, Patrick Pickering, Regional Director for American Medical Response, and Colonel Tom Bladen, Commander of the 104^th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base.

There were greetings from Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and invocation by Father Gary Dailey, Chaplin for the Springfield Fire Department. Anthony Cignoli, President of A. L. Cignoli Company, served as the master of ceremonies, and Vanessa Ford sang the National Anthem.

As in years past, the most emotional part of ceremony started with the ringing of the fire bell, the distant sirens symbolizing the roll out of the emergency vehicles, the laying of the wreath, the rifle salute followed by taps, and the retiring of the colors.

See more photos.

Happy Birthday, Peter Lappin!

Peter Lappin, former Massachusetts State Representative, long-time World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast Chair, and Springfield’s #1 volunteer, celebrated his birthday with cupcakes and by thanking the area mayors’ for their civic involvement at the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic.

In this Issue

• Mayor Sarno Said There Will Be a Bright Nights!

• Mayor's Cup Trophy Returns to Chicopee

• CDM Smith Takes Home Joe Superneau Award

• September 11th Remembrance Ceremony

• Happy Birthday, Peter Lappin

• Guest Column - Patrick Sullivan, Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management

• Bright Nights Season Pass

Guest Column

Patrick Sullivan,

Executive Director,

Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management

The Springfield Republican recently summed it up best: Yes, Virginia, there will be a Bright Nights at Forest Park this year. The COVID pandemic has closed many events but, thankfully, by working with Mayor Domenic Sarno, Commissioner of Health Helen Caulton Harris and our Industrial Hygienist Bob Kirchherr, we have developed safe protocols for both the staff and visitors to Bright Nights. As we begin the 26th Anniversary of Bright Nights in Forest Park, I would like to thank the Spirit of Springfield staff, the Springfield Park Department, our generous sponsors, and the more than 6 million people who have visited Bright Nights throughout the years. With everyone’s support and dedication, we are able to celebrate this anniversary.

When a Carpenter Decorating catalogue came across my desk 26 years ago it evoked one of my favorite childhood memories. When I was around eight years old my parents would drive my siblings and I to Forest Park in our 1964 Dodge Dart to see plywood holiday characters lit by flood lights on the ball field. After the trip through the park, we would go to Friendly’s for hot chocolate. With this recollection in mind, I worked with Judy Matt to establish a holiday event that would create many joyous memories for the families that visit Bright Nights. Our goal, plain and simple, was to provide an opportunity to share the holiday spirit with loved ones.

Now more than ever we need a “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Hanukkah,” and “Happy Kwanzaa” to brighten our lives and reflect on the importance of family and friends. We have come a long way from wooden cutout displays, and still the significance of the holiday season lives on for all that visit this spectacular event. Bright Nights at Forest Park is a renowned lighting extravaganza that provides joy and cheer throughout the holiday season. Please enjoy it with us this year and for years to come.