February News from the Spirit of Springfield

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest!

Welcome to February, and one month closer to spring and outdoor festivities like the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast that will be held on Saturday, May 13th on Main Street.

While we think of warmer weather, the dedicated team at the Springfield Park Department are hard at work dismantling displays, and carefully and meticulously putting them away. Their efforts are truly appreciated.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

-- Judy Matt

President

Save the Date! ⛳️

Mark Friday, June 2nd on your calendar, and start practicing your swings and your putts for the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic. It is a fun day on Franconia Golf Course with friends and colleagues. It starts at 9am with the Mayor’s Cup Putting Contest, followed by the 10am shotgun start.

Lunch is served on the course. Every golfer goes home with a great souvenir, a $25 gift card to one of Springfield’s fine restaurants, and knowing they support the Spirit of Springfield’s efforts to bring the community together in celebration.

Watch for more updates, or email nicole@spiritofspringfield.org to let her know you want to be on this year’s mailing list.

Bright Nights Group Tour Business On the Rise

Bright Nights at Forest Park’s 28th season saw an increase in group tour business after seeing a great decline due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Groups were once again traveling and making Bright Nights a part of their holiday experience.

They traveled from throughout Massachusetts including Westport, Medway, and Carver, Connecticut, Vermont and New Hampshire. Destinations included MGM Springfield, Yankee Candle, Holyoke Mall, Norman Rockwell Museum, Oakwood Christmas Barn, and the Berkshires. Dining options varied from Cracker Barrell to the Delaney House, as well as the Deerfield Inn, Student Prince, Storrowton Tavern, and the Salem Cross Inn.

The 25% increase in buses to Bright Nights at Forest Park is a welcome sign for the event and for the local economy.

Reservations are made online at brightnights.org.

Bright Nights 2023 Season Passes Available

For one low price, starting at just $45, Bright Nights at Forest Park 29th season can be accessed every night. It is a great way to treat the family, and save. The trips through Bright Nights are unlimited. Experience the lights on a clear night, in the fog, rain, and snow.

The Bright Nights Season Pass will come with a coupon book full of discounts from area restaurants and attractions.

Purchase yours today at brightnights.org.

Remembering Dan Walsh

The Spirit of Springfield is mourning the loss of a longtime Board Member and champion for the organization. He served as the Chair from 2007 to 2014, and he served as the Treasurer from 2019 until 2021.

He worked for the San Francisco Police Department from 1972 to 1982. He then got into the hospitality industry working for ITT Sheraton and Konover Hotel Corporation, which lead him to Springfield where he began as the General Manager for the Sheraton Springfield, and retired as Vice President of Falcon Hotel Group which manages several hotels in Massachusetts.

Dan was an avid golfer, proud husband, father, and grandfather.

Coming Soon! 🎶

The Spirit of Springfield is pleased to announce that the U. S. Air Force Band of Washington, DC will be performing a free concert on Sunday, March 26th at 3pm in Springfield Symphony Hall.

If your business is interested in sponsoring this incredible concert, please contact amy@spiritofspringfield.org.

More details about the concert and tickets will be announced soon.

In this Issue

Save the Date

Bright Nights Group Tour Business on the Rise

Bright Nights 2023 Season Passes

Remembering Dan Walsh

U. S. Air Force

Band Concert

Guest Column

Chris Kelley,

MGM Springfield

Guest Column

Chris Kelley

President & COO,

MGM Springfield

I think we can all agree that the City of Springfield is already on its way to an incredible 2023.

Just a few weeks ago, MGM Springfield hosted Red Sox Winter Weekend and it was wonderful to see families and friends come together to visit our resort and surrounding downtown businesses.

The new year also brought sports betting to Massachusetts, and on January 31^st, Mayor Domenic Sarno, Massachusetts Senator Adam Gomez, Massachusetts Representative Carlos Gonzalez, and Boston hockey legend Ray Bourque placed the first bets in the state at BetMGM at MGM Springfield. It was an amazing event and we’re incredibly grateful for the tireless work of our State Delegation for pushing this historic bill over the finish line, paving the way for opening day.

Giving back to our community continues to be critically important for us at MGM Springfield, and we have so many other exciting entertainment and community events lined up for this year. We can’t wait to share more soon.

MGM Springfield is honored to continue to support the Spirit of Springfield. We’re all truly lucky to have such a caring community organization focused on bringing us all together.

2023, let’s do this!