City of Bright Nights Ball, Bright Nights and More News and Updates from the Spirit 🇺🇸

Celebrating Springfield's Biggest, Best and Brightest!

September was a little busy at the Spirit of Springfield with Springfield’s September 11^th Ceremony commemorating the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks, assisted with the Basketball Hall of Fame Enshrinement, registration for the Bright Nights 5K Road Race, and the announcement of the City of Bright Nights Ball. We are grateful to all who supported our efforts and to Eastman for their commitment to sponsor the annual gala.

The City of Bright Nights Ball is just one of many events we are planning for this holiday season. We want it to be festive and safe for all.

-- Judy Matt

President

Eastman Sponsors City of Bright Nights Ball

The City of Bright Nights Ball is returning to MGM Springfield with the support of Eastman and many others. Eastman’s Indian Orchard Site Manager, Shawn Pace, will serve as the evening’s chairman. He will be honored at the Chairman’s Reception hosted by Congressman Richard E. Neal and sponsored by MassMutual.

After a one-year hiatus, the black-tie gala will be back and more beautiful than ever. This year’s theme, Cherry Blossoms Under the Moonlight, represents a time for new beginnings. Tables will be decorated with towering centerpieces flowing with cherry blossoms and flowering tablecloths. The dinner will be divine with a choice of 24-hour braised short ribs, pan seared diver scallops, or seared trumpet mushroom scallops, and topped off with a beautiful cherry blossom dessert.

The evening will include dancing to Groove Authority, live and silent auctions, and a 50/50 raffle in support of the Spirit of Springfield. Tickets are $700 per couple, and tables for ten guests are $3,500. They are available by calling the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800 or emailing staff@spiritofspringfield.org.

Springfield Remembers September 11th

Hundreds of guests gathered in front of Springfield’s September 11^th Monument on September 10, 2021, the eve of the 20^th anniversary of the terrorist attacks. There were video messages from President George W. Bush and Congressman Richard E. Neal, greetings by Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Police Commissioner Cheryl C. Clapprood, Fire Commissioner B. J. Calvi, and Emily Chandler, representing American Medical Response.

Colonel William T. Bladen, Commander of the 104^th Fighter Wing, gave a compelling timeline of the attacks and the years that followed. In his remembrance, he also paid tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Nash; he was one of the pilots who scrambled from Cape Cod’s Otis Air Guard Base on September 11, 2001, and who passed away earlier this year.

After the emergency vehicles came over the Memorial Bridge, the names of the 498 first responders who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and whose names are on Springfield’s monument, were displayed on a large LED screen. Vanessa Ford performed “Hero” and Joe Broadnax sang “You Raise Me Up” as the video played.

It was an emotional evening and can been seen on wwlp.com.

See more photos!

Supper with Santa

Barney Carriage House. On Sunday, December 5^th and Sunday, December 12^th, he will enjoy a scrumptious supper with guests. The first seating is at 5:30pm and the last is at 7pm.

The menu is kid-friendly, and it has something for everyone from a winter garden salad with a cranberry vinaigrette to macaroni and cheese, chicken tenders, and vegetarian lasagna, with Christmas cookies and brownies for dessert.

Reservations are now being accepted by calling the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800. Tickets are $22, and $15 for children under 12, and includes one complimentary car admission ticket with every paid reservation.

Learn more at brightnights.org.

Experience Bright Nights Aboard Wagon or Carriage

There is something enchanting about riding in a horse-drawn wagon or carriage on a crisp December night. Add Bright Nights at Forest Park’s magnificent holiday lighting displays, and it becomes magical. The tour includes Seuss Land, Garden of Peace, Jurassic World, and more.

Horse-drawn wagon rides for groups with up to 16 people are available Thursday, December 2^nd and Friday, December 3^rd, for $150.

Romantic horse-drawn carriage rides for as many as four passengers can be reserved for Thursday, December 9^th, Friday, December 10^th, Thursday, December 16^th and Friday, December 17^th. The cost for the ride is $125 and includes one complimentary car admission ticket.

Rides have been used for family parties, a special birthday, and even a holiday engagement.

Reservations are now being accepted online or by calling the Spirit of Springfield at 413-733-3800.

Bright Nights Seasons Pass

There is still time to get your Bright Nights at Forest Park Season Pass. It is affordable and great for Bright Nights super fans. For one admission price, currently just $50, the pass can be used every night and as many times in an evening as possible.

It even comes with a coupon book full of savings for area restaurants and attractions. There is even a discount for Springfield Thunderbirds merchandise.

Buy yours online today at brightnights.org.

Bright Nights 5K Up-Date

Registration for the Bright Nights 5K Road Race opened on Monday, September 13^th, and is now closed. 500 athletes signed up for the fun run that will take them on a holiday jaunt by and through the magnificent displays on Monday, November 29^th (Rain Date: Tuesday, November 30^th).

Runners can still register for the wait list at brightnights.org.

The Bright Nights 5K Road Race is sponsored by Freedom Credit Union.

Proud to Support Hoop Hall Enshrinement

The Spirit of Springfield was proud to support the Basketball Hall of Fame with the 2021 Enshrinement Ceremony at the MassMutual Center.

We recruited athletes from Springfield high schools and Springfield College to give guests a Springfield welcome with cheer, applause, high-fives, and a few selfies. They were there with Mayor Domenic Sarno.

It is an experience the students will remember for a lifetime, as will the Basketball Hall of Famers who enjoyed the extra hoopla!

In this Issue

Eastman Sponsors City of Bright Nights Ball

Springfield Remembers September 11th

Supper with Santa

Bright Nights Wagon & Carriage Rides

Bright Nights Season Pass

Bright Nights 5K Up-Date

Hoop Hall Enshrinement

Guest Column

Shawn N. Pace, Eastman

Bright Nights New Merchandise

Guest Column

Shawn N. Pace,

Site Manager,

Indian Orchard,

Eastman

Since becoming a part of the Springfield community in 2012, Eastman has appreciated the collaboration across industries, government, education and non-profit organizations to continue making Springfield a great place to live. We often talk about our purpose as a company is “to enhance the quality of life in a material way”, and we’ve been fortunate to have great opportunities to bring that purpose to life in tangible ways in our community over the last nine years.

We can all agree, the last year and a half have been tough. We’ve been isolated. We’ve missed out on gatherings with our friends and loved ones. But continuing to fight these challenges allows us to see light at the end of the tunnel – a bright one! And that is something worth celebrating.

Eastman is incredibly honored and excited to sponsor the 2021 City of Bright Nights Ball. We believe that supporting the Spirit of Springfield in their efforts to bring the community together in celebration, especially during these difficult times, is important and encouraging. Spirit of Springfield brings life to our community through its various events and contributions to the people of Springfield. We can’t wait to celebrate with our friends and neighbors.