We are looking forward to making your July 4th a Star Spangled Springfield. We have the fun, festivities, and fireworks all lined up for Tuesday, July 4th in Riverfront Park. The park is the premier location to watch the fireworks, but there are many places on both sides and in the Connecticut River to enjoy pyrotechnic wizardry.
We are grateful to have an incredible team working on the public safety. They will be working hundreds of hours to make sure the safety of all attending, supporting, and involved with the event is of the highest priority.
We look forward to celebrating America's birthday with you!
-- Judy Matt
President
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Star Spangled Springfield
Springfield will celebrate Independence Day in its traditional style which includes patriotism and pyrotechnics to make for a Star Spangled Springfield.
Star Spangled Springfield, sponsored by MassMutual, will be held in Riverfront Park from 6pm to 10pm on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. From 6pm to 8pm, there will be face painters and balloon artists. At 7pm, there will be welcoming remarks with the National Anthem performed by Vanessa Ford. Union Jack, a 60’s music British tribute band sponsored by Key Bank, will take to the stage at 7:15pm. At 9:30pm, all eyes will be on the skies as Fireworks by Grucci brings their pyrotechnic wizardry to Springfield. The fireworks will dance to music broadcast on Mix 93.1FM and in Riverfront Park. Food and beverages will be available in the park from 6pm to 9:30pm. They include Batch Ice Cream, Elegant Affairs with hamburgers, hot dogs, rice with pork and beans, sausage and pepper grinders, water, soda, beer, wine, and more.
“Independence Day unites Americans in celebration of and thanks for the freedoms we all hold dear,” said Dennis Duquette, Head of Community Responsibility at MassMutual. “MassMutual is happy to support the Spirit of Springfield again this year and help bring a truly great July 4th celebration to Springfield and the region.”
Union Jack features the look and sounds of the 1960’s British Invasion era and beyond. They will perform everything from The Beatles to the Rolling Stones, Kinks, Dave Clark Five, Hollies, Searchers, and many others. Formed in 1979, Union Jack was one of Western Mass’ original tribute bands. After years of performing with other bands, Union Jack’s members reformed in 2002.
In addition to MassMutual and Key Bank, Star Spangled Springfield is supported by 90 Meat Outlet, American Medical Response (AMR), Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, iHeart Media, Joseph Freedman Company, MassLive, MGM Springfield, Michael’s Party Rentals, Quality Beverage, Republic Services, Sheraton Springfield, Springfield Parking Authority, The Republican, WWLP-22News, and the City of Springfield.
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Star Spangled Springfield Safety
The Spirit of Springfield, the City of Springfield, and many other agencies are making safety a top priority for Springfield’s July 4th festivities. On June 22nd, a room full of public safety officers and city department leaders, met to discuss all aspects of the public safety including traffic emergency medical services, boating, railroad traffic, and pyrotechnics. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno took a few minutes from his busy schedule to personally thank the team.
Officials will be enforcing no alcohol, no smoking, no pets, no bicycles, no skateboards, no roller blades, no drones, no sparklers, and no fireworks in and around Riverfront Park.
The goal is to make Star Spangled Springfield a safe and friendly environment for all to enjoy the music, food, festivities, and fireworks.
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Star Spangled Traffic Alert
In preparation for Star Spangled Springfield on Tuesday, July 4, 2023, the Springfield Police Department will be detouring traffic in and around the area of the Memorial Bridge and Riverfront Park where festivities will be held.
On Monday, July 3, 2023, at 11pm, the Memorial Bridge will close to all traffic, vehicular and pedestrian, to allow for the set-up of the Star Spangled Springfield fireworks display. The bridge will open around 11pm on Tuesday, July 4, 2023.
On Tuesday, July 4, 2023, as it gets close to the 9:30pm fireworks display and as it is warranted for pedestrian traffic, the Springfield Police Department will close roads in the vicinity of the Memorial Bridge. Massachusetts State Police will close Exit 5 (formerly Exit 7) off of I-91 South as needed. Pedestrians will be restricted from sitting on I-91 Exit Ramps.
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Great Day for Golf
There were two tournaments held at the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic on Friday, June 2nd. First four local mayor’s putt for the coveted Mayor’s Cup, and second was among the 32 foursomes competing in a scramble-style tournament and in several games on the course.
After going putt to putt, Agawam Mayor William Sapelli took home the honors for one last time. Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno was very pleased with his second place standing, beating West Springfield Mayor Will Reichelt and Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe.
At 10am, the golfers drove to their designated tees and the tournament began. One of the three teams from Veolia with Matt, Matt, Steve, and Jeff took home the first place and the Joe Superneau Award. The team from CDM Smith with Joe, Tim, Bill, and Nicholas came in second place.
It was a warm day on the course, but a great day. Thank you to all who supported the Spirit of Springfield and the tournament.
See lots of great photos from the day.
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Starfires in Springfield
The Westfield Starfires are coming to Springfield’s Forest Park for an afternoon of baseball and family-friendly fun on Sunday, July 30th. The Westfield collegiate team will play against the Pittsfield Suns. Family-friendly festivities start at 1:30pm. Game time is 4pm.
The Spirit of Springfield is pleased to assist Chris Thompson, Westfield Star Fires Co-Owner, and the team to help plan the pre-game fun and formalities.
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Congratulations to All!
The Spirit of Springfield works closely with so many City of Springfield Departments, the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield Business Improvement District, and so many other agencies. We are proud to see our colleagues receive the recognition and advancement.
Michelle Grout, who was the Operations Director for the Springfield Business Improvement District for more than ten years, has been named the organization’s Executive Director.
At the Springfield Department of Public Works, Steve Beem became the Deputy Director of Operations when Vinnie DeStantis retired. Rob Gentile was promoted to Steve Beem’s former position as Assistant Deputy of Operations.
Glen Sexton, Assistant Deputy Superintendent for the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, is now serving the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department as its Superintendent.
All of these have been supportive of the Spirit of Springfield and the organization’s mission to bring the community together in celebration. Congratulations to all!
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Welcome Baby Arlo!
Spirit of Springfield is proud to welcome a new member to the family. Dr. Robert Roose, Spirit of Springfield Board Member and Chief Administrative Officer for Mercy Medical Center, and his wife, Heather, welcomed Arlo on May 20th.
He is enjoying bonding with his big brother, Emmett.
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Star Spangled Springfield
Star Spangled Springfield Safety
Star Spangled Springfield Traffic Alert
Great Day for Golf
Starfires in Springfield
Congratulations to All!
Welcome Baby Arlo!
Guest Column
Dennis Duquette
MassMutual
Bright Nights Season Pass
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Dennis Duquette
Head of Community Responsibility, MassMutual
The July 4th holiday is upon us and it’s time to celebrate our nation, its people, and the freedoms we cherish and for which so many have sacrificed. And what better way to commemorate our nation’s birthday than partaking in the Spirit of Springfield’s magnificent Star Spangled Springfield July 4th celebration on our wonderful riverfront? The event will feature entertainment and plenty of fun for revelers of all ages, and of course will be capped off by another fantastic Fireworks by Grucci display over the Connecticut River.
Since our founding over 172 years ago, MassMutual has been a part of the fabric of Springfield and we understand the importance of community – THIS community – and the wonderful things that happen whenever we come together. That’s why we’re supporting the Spirit of Springfield this July 4 and have done so for almost twenty years. Events such as this add to the vitality of our city and help make Springfield a terrific place to live, work, and play; and so we hope to see you at Riverfront Park with your family, friends, and your neighbors for a truly spectacular salute to our American Independence!
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2023
Tuesday, July 4th
6pm - 10pm
Riverfront Park
Sponsored by MassMutual
Monday, September 11th
10am
Riverfront Park
Saturday, November 11th
6pm to 12 Midnight
MGM Springfield
Sponsored by Western New England University
November 22nd to January 1st
Closed November 27th - 28th
Forest Park
Monday, November 27th Rain Date: November 28th
Forest Park
December 3rd, 8th & 10th
Barney Carriage House
Forest Park
2024
Saturday, May 18th
8am to 11am
Main Street
Friday, June 7th
9:30am Mayor's Cup
10am Shotgun Start
Franconia Golf Course
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