February News from The Spirit

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Our goal for 2020 will be to entertain more than 400,000 people. We will be able to attain this with the continued support of the generous business community, enthusiastic volunteers and so many others who believe in the Spirit of Springfield's mission to "bring the community together in celebration."

We like to think that in our 30 years, the Spirit of Springfield has been an important part of the vitality of the community. After all, Springfield is where the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast happens. Springfield is where Independence Day is celebrated with a world-class fireworks display. It is where a Parade of Big Balloons kicks-off the holiday season, and it is the only place to experience Bright Nights at Forest Park.

We hope you will be a part of the Spirit of Springfield 2020 team.

- Judy Matt

President

Spirit of Springfield 30 Years Strong

It was in May 1990, when the Spirit of Springfield served up the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast for the first time. It had been a tradition since 1986, and it became the Spirit of Springfield's mission to carry it on. For a few years, the festivities included a hot air balloon festival.

That same year, the Spirit of Springfield presented the Taste of Springfield, which was retired in 2004. The organization also celebrated Springfield's strong Italian culture with the Carnivale di Columbus and rang in the new year with First Night Springfield.

A lot has changed since 1990. While some events faded out, new ones have been added. There is a golf tournament and a black-tie gala to raise funds to operate the organization. Fireworks were brought back for July 4^th, and the Spirit of Springfield has kept the balloons coming down Main Street on the day after Thanksgiving.

The largest change in the Spirit of Springfield's 30 years is Bright Nights at Forest Park. The event has continued to evolve and grow. It has even achieved national acclaim, most recently being voted one of USA Today's 10Best Public Holiday Light Displays in North America.

Here is to the Spirit of Springfield's 30^th season, continued growth and celebration.

Red Sox City

There was a mall on Main Street for the Boston Red Sox Winter Weekend. Visitors traversed from MGM Springfield to the MassMutual Center in a tent which protected them from the elements. It was an exciting weekend in downtown Springfield.

"It was such a family event," said Judy Matt, Spirit of Springfield President. "The key demographic was fathers and sons, and daughters too. They were here to have a good time and celebrate their favorite team."

Thanks to MGM Springfield for bringing such a wholesome event to Springfield and congratulations to Michael's Party Rental for a successful execution of the heated tent.

Bright Nights Survey Results

There is a survey in every Bright Nights program book. The results prove, Bright Nights is a #treasuredtradition.

Results show:

Previously Attended: 94%
Always Knew About Bright Nights: 67%
Visiting Since 1995: 29%
Visited More Than Once in 2019: 24%

It also continues to have an impact on the economy.

Plan to Visit in the Future: 97%
Visited from Outside the Area: 37%
Visited a Restaurant: 38%

Some of the comments included:

We have been bringing our kids to Bright Nights for 14 years since we moved here. Better every year! - Sharon from West Springfield

My favorite holiday tradition. When the $5 coupon comes- I know the Christmas season is here! - Bethany from Berlin, CT

An annual must-see especially with some snow on the ground. Since 1995, been here at least 50 times. - Robert from Agawam, MA

Beautiful displays, last year was our first trip. Was so much more than we thought. Had to come back! - Ann Marie from Rutland, MA

Thank you to everyone who submitted the survey.

BREAKING NEWS

Exhibitors now being accepted for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 9^th. It is a great way for businesses and non-profit organizations to meet the community, promote their products and services and be a part of fun and festivities.

Sign-up today at spiritofspringfield.org.

In This Issue

Spirit of Springfield 30 Years Strong

Red Sox City

Bright Nights Survey Results

Breaking News

Guest Column - Mary Kay Wydra

Bright Nights Season Pass

GUEST COLUMN

Mary Kay Wydra,

President,

Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau

Springfield events melt winter chill with a red-hot hospitality weekend!

Despite frigid temps and a few inches of snow for the January 18-20 long holiday weekend, a couple of popular events in greater Springfield warmed the hearts of our local hospitality industry folks. Huge crowds, busy restaurants and hotels were the norm all around.

The 19^th annual Hoop Hall Classic hosted by the Basketball Hall of Fame attracted some of the nation's premier boys' and girls' high school basketball teams for a series of games at Springfield College. NBA luminary LeBron James thrilled fans with a cameo appearance at his son Bronny's game and social media lit up.

For baseball enthusiasts, the "red" in red-hot was the Boston Red Sox Winter Weekend, hosted by MGM Springfield at the MassMutual Center which was connected to the casino with a massive heated tent. The whole community came together and the Spirit of Springfield took the lead in coordinating logistics for activating Main Street. Fans young and old, met players, collected autographs, tested their own baseball skills, took in a town hall meeting and immersed themselves in all things Red Sox.

Using our economic impact calculator, the GSCVB has estimated the two events contributed approximately $7 million into our local economy. Numbers like that help put the "win" in winter!

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Dates for 2020

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast

Saturday, May 9th

8am to 11am

Main Street