Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest

Just 18 days until the first day of spring, and then we start the countdown clock for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast.  That has become the first rite of what is to come for warm, weather, outdoor festivals. 
 
We have already begun the process of recruiting volunteers and donations.  We are so pleased to have MGM Springfield's continued support for the annual flapjack feast.  Later this month, we will be announcing this year's Honorary Chairman.
 
Stay warm!  Spring is almost here.

- Judy Matt 
President 

Pancake logo
Breakfast Exhibitors Wanted

For many, the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast is the place to be and the place to be seen.  Friends and neighbors all come out of hibernation after a long New England winter.  The event is also a place for community service organizations and businesses to showcase their products and services. 
 
For years, the Springfield City Library, Greater Springfield Habitat for Humanity, Hampden County Bar Association, HCS Headstart and many others have been handing out their materials to educate the community the services they have to offer.
 
Businesses have since discovered the value of participating in Springfield's hot, hearty, wholesome breakfast on Main Street.  They too share their materials, offer giveaways and serve as ambassadors for the company.  Pellegrini, Seeley, Ryan & Blakesly, PC have already reserved their location.
 
To learn more, contact amy@spiritofspringfield.org or to register, visit spiritofspringfield.org 

Grab Your Golf Clubs!
 
Mark your calendars!  The Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic has been set for Friday, June 5th at Franconia Golf Course, one of Springfield's premier golf courses.  The shotgun will go off at 10am, but first, several area mayor's will compete in a friendly putting contest.
 
On the course, teams will vie for the Joe Superneau Award, closest to the pin, longest drive and more.  They will enjoy lunch and dinner all while supporting the Spirit of Springfield's efforts to bring the community together in celebration.
 
To learn more or to get your name on the mailing list, contact nicole@spiritofspringfield.org.

Pancake Supplies Piling Up

Just like the pancakes on Main Street, supplies for the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast are piling up.  Cabot Creamery and the farmers' co-op donated 200 pounds of butter pads.  H. P. will be delivering hundreds of gallons of milk and juice, and even the cream for the coffee that the Sheraton Springfield is donating and brewing.  Mercy Medical Center has two department's supporting the event, the culinary staff to mix the batter and the print department to prepare the tickets and fliers.
 
Main Street will be spilling over with food and activities on Saturday, May 9th.  Be sure to mark your calendar and bring your appetite!

Gala to Return to MGM Springfield

Mark your calendar!  Grab your date!  The City of Bright Nights Ball is returning to MGM Springfield on Saturday, November 14, 2020. It is going to be another elegant evening to support the Spirit of Springfield's mission to bring the community together in celebration.

This will mark the third year the gala is being held at MGM Springfield.  They have been impressing guests with their unique appetizers and entrees and over-the-top desserts.  

Reserve your tickets by contacting the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800 or staff@spiritofspringfield.org.
Meet Major Kimberly J. Askew

This past October, Judy Matt became an Honorary Commander of the 439 th  Logistics Readiness Squadron, 439 th  Airlift Wing, in recognition of her support of Westover Air Reserve Base and the Armed Forces of the United States of America. 

As a result of this appointment, Judy met Major Kimberly J. Askew, who actually lives this role every day.  In addition to being Commander, Major Askew also serves as the wing's Installation Deployment Officer and is responsible for the command and control of various operations supporting more than 2,700 military and civilian personnel. 

Her most recent deployment was to Kobani Landing Zone in Northern Syria as Mobility Officer with Combined Joint Task Force Operation INHERENT RESOLVE from October 2018 to May 2019.  Serving 13 years with the United States Army and six years with the United States Air Force, Major Askew has totaled 19 years of service for our country thus far. 

When she's not working, Major Askew loves spending time with her six year old English Bulldog, Eddy!

                          BREAKING NEWS

In celebration of the 30th anniversary, the Spirit of Springfield logo got an updated look.  It will be seen at all the events from the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast to the Parade of the Big Balloons.
In This Issue
Breakfast Exhibitors Wanted
Grab Your Golf Clubs!
Pancake Supplies Piling Up
Gala to Return to MGM Springfield
Meet Major Kimberly J. Askew
Breaking News
Guest Column - Timothy T. Sheehan
Bright Nights Season Pass
GUEST COLUMN
Timothy T. Sheehan,
Chief Development Officer,
City of Springfield
At one time, quality-of-life and place amenities were economic development afterthoughts.  Today, urbanists know that activated events, community programming, great museums, parks, libraries and beautification projects, combined with entertainment and nightlife, are all essential to attracting the knowledge economy workforce to cities and to retaining existing residents as their life evolves.
A recent study in Urban Affairs Review found that urban amenities make a real difference in attracting young talent to cities, even beyond the big name cities. For this group amenities inform moving decisions nearly as much as low crime rates, or housing availability.  In today's mobile society, if a city is successful in attracting talented people, it will attract businesses. While quality of life may be difficult to precisely define and measure, it directly influences those who choose to live in a particular city, and therefore, the composition of its labor force.  For that reason, quality of life must be a central element of Springfield's economic development policy.
For three decades the Spirit of Springfield has worked to expand and improve Springfield's quality of life by making a significant contribution to all that differentiates Springfield and makes it worth calling home.  The programming it has advanced, with the financial help of many corporate sponsors, has strengthened Springfield's sense of community and made it a better place to live. From Bright Nights, and the Fourth of July, to the Pancake Breakfast, the Spirit of Springfield has supplied the sights, sounds, experiences and memories that allow Springfield's residents, visitors and businesses alike to see the city in its most positive and exciting light and to truly be a part of the spirit that defines Springfield.         


Dates for 2020

World's Largest Pancake Breakfast
Saturday, May 9th
8am to 11am
Main Street
Sponsored by MGM Springfield

Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic
Friday, June 5th
Shotgun Start - 10am
Franconia Golf Course
Saturday, July 4th
7pm to 10pm
Riverfront Park

September 11th Remembrance Ceremony
Friday, September 11th
10am
Riverfront Park

City of Bright Nights Ball
Saturday, November 14th
6:30pm to 12Midnight
MGM Springfield

Bright Nights at Forest Park
November 25th to January 3rd
Closed November 30th  
& December 1st
Forest Park

Parade of the Big Balloons
Friday, November 27th
11am
Main Street

Bright Nights 5K Road Race
Monday, November 30th
Rain Date:  Tuesday, December 1st
6:30pm
Forest Park
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Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best & Brightest for 30 Years!

The Spirit of Springfield is a private, non-profit corporation
which produces high-quality, large-scale events in the city of Springfield.
Our mission is to promote community events and encourage civic pride.