Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2022 City of Bright Nights Ball. It was quite the party for Springfield. There was so much community spirit, comradery, and good old fashion family fun. Thank you to the hundreds of volunteers, the donors, the sponsors, and to the Honorary Chair, Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield President and Chief Operating Officer.
Thank you to Patrick Pickering, Northeast Regional Director for American Medical Response, for sponsoring and chairing the 2022 City of Bright Nights Ball. Guests are sure to “love” this year’s gala. Mark your calendars for November 12th!
-- Judy Matt
President
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City of Bright Nights Ball All About Love
In a room full of supporters, the plans, sponsors, and the chair were announced for the 2022 City of Bright Nights Ball. Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt was joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chris Kelley, President and Chief Operating Officer for MGM Springfield, Shawn Pace, Plant Manager for Eastman – Indian Orchard and the 2021 chair and sponsor. They were there to name Patrick Pickering, Northeast Regional Director for American Medical Response (AMR) as the gala’s chair and American Medical Response as the sponsor.
“I am honored to be chosen as the as Chair of the 2022 City of Bright Nights Ball,” said Patrick Pickering. “AMR has stood shoulder to shoulder with Spirit of Springfield through the Pandemic over the past 2 ½ years, and it has never been more evident how committed and effective Spirit of Springfield is at creating a sense of belonging and positive culture through its events and communication with the public.”
“The theme this year is “love,” and what better way to show admiration for the City of Firsts than alongside the Spirit of Springfield as we celebrate in November at the City of Bright Nights Ball at MGM Springfield. Judy Matt and the Spirit of Springfield organization are an integral part of this great city, promoting community engagement and offering events that continue to bring the City of Springfield and region together, year after year,” added Pickering.
Additional support for the November 12th black-tie gala at MGM Springfield will be provided by Eastman-Indian Orchard, Baystate Health, The Colvest Group, Comcast, FR Investment Group, Gleason Johndrow Landscaping, Health New England (HNE), MassMutual, MGM Springfield, Monson Savings Bank, MP CPA, New England Business Machine, PeoplesBank, Sheraton Springfield, and the Springfield Business Improvement District.
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World's Largest Pancake Breakfast
There were long lines and lots of activities at the 2022 World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast on Saturday, May 14th. It was one the largest crowds the event has ever hosted. The volunteers worked harder than they have ever had before pouring more milk and juice than ever. Those behind the grills flipped as fast as they could to keep the lines moving.
Court Square was teaming with activities. There was a casting demonstration, inflatable obstacle course, giant Jenga, corn hole games, and more. There was so much to do from one end of Main Street to the other including lots of entertainment.
This was all made possible by the generous support from MGM Springfield, all of the donors, and all who gave of their time, energy and resources to celebrate Springfield’s 386th birthday
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Congrats to Golden Spatula Award Winners
Every year, the Spirit of Springfield presents Golden Spatula Awards to deserving organizations for helping to serve up community spirit. The year, the 2022 World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast Honorary Chair, Chris Kelley, MGM Springfield, President and Chief Operation Officer, presented them to Monson Savings Bank, TD Bank, Cabot Creamery Co-Operative, and Dunkin’.
The Spirit of Springfield was honored to have these new participants at the annual pancake party.
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GEARING UP FOR GOLF
Signs have been ordered. Raffle prizes have been delivered. Golf gloves with a special Spirit of Springfield marker have arrived. Friday, June 3rd is sure to be a great day at Franconia Golf Course for the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic.
Charlie Arment Trucking is the Eagle Sponsor. New England Business Machine is the Mayor’s Cup sponsor. American Medical Response, Gleason Johndrow Landscaping, MassLive, M. L. Schmitt Electric, ProPark, Springfield Business Improvement District, and Western Mass Economic Development Council are Spirit Sponsors. Gleason Johndrow Landscaping is sponsoring the $25,000 hole-in-one prize, and tee sponsors are numerous. Six Brick’s is sponsoring the lunch. Eastman-Indian Orchard is donating the golf balls. Sheraton Springfield is donating snacks. The Springfield Water & Sewer Commission is donating water bottles, and Eversource Energy is donating hand sanitizers.
Before golfers tee off at 10am, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, Agawam, Mayor William Sapelli, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe, and West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt will compete for the Mayor’s Cup.
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City of Bright Nights Ball All About Love
World's Largest
Pancake Breakfast
Golden Spatula Winners
Gearing Up for Golf
Guest Column
Chris Russell
Springfield Business Improvement District
Bright Nights Season Pass
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Chris Russell
Executive Director
Springfield Business Improvement District
On behalf of The Springfield Business Improvement District we were pleased to participate in the most recent Spirit of Springfield Pancake Breakfast. We are very optimistic about planned events and activities in downtown Springfield this summer at the Springfield BID. Rotating beer gardens, block parties, local musicians, the return of restaurant week to name a few – all things to keep visitors coming to downtown Springfield all summer long.
Our mission is to support local businesses and organizations and be a driving force of economic, cultural, and social development. These events provide entertainment for visitors and residents alike, all while bringing business to the downtown community.
Among new and “revamped” events on the calendar this year is Rhythm and Brews, Downtown Springfield’s Rotating Beer Garden. Every Wednesday, all summer long, we’ll have guest craft brewers and local musicians in all your favorite downtown locations. You’ll be able to try craft beer from throughout New England right here in downtown.
The locals have been asking, “When is restaurant week coming back?” This year over 50 restaurants will participate in Restaurant Week, from June 17th to June 26th. It’s a popular event in which restaurants city wide are happy to participate.
Attending events and activities is so easy in Springfield’s walkable downtown. The city has grown and prospered over the years – we are happy to be a part of the resurgence and would like to thank the Spirit of Springfield for being a part of it as well and bringing such positivity to the city.
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BRIGHT NIGHTS
SEASON PASS NOW AVAILABLE
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INCLUDES COUPON BOOKLET FULL OF SAVINGS |
2022
Friday, June 3rd
10am Shotgun Start
Franconia Golf Course
Sponsored by Charlie Arment Trucking
Monday, July 4th
6pm - 10pm
Riverfront Park
Sponsored by MassMutual
Friday, September 9th
10am
Riverfront Park
Saturday, November 12
6:30pm to 11pm
MGM Springfield
Sponsored by American Medical Response
November 23rd to January 1st
Closed November 28th - 29th
Forest Park
Monday, November 28th Rain Date: November 29th
Forest Park
Sunday, December 11 2pm
Springfield Symphony Hall
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