Happy New Year to All!

As we begin a new year, I am reminded of the hundreds of thousands of smiles we put on faces during 2013 with pancakes in the middle of Main Street, fireworks on the Memorial Bridge and a host of holiday celebrations including the 100^th anniversary of the Springfield Municipal Group.

In 2014, the big anniversary will be Bright Nights at Forest Park. It will be 20 years bright in November.

Thanks to all Spirit of Springfield sponsors, supporters and patrons. We wish you health and prosperity in the coming year! Happy New Year!

Judy Matt
President

Bright Nights Still Glowing

There is still time to enjoy a visit to Bright Nights at Forest Park. Gates will be opened, lights will be lit and there will be plenty of holiday cheer through Sunday, January 5.

While Santa is resting up, his cottage at Bright Nights has become a workshop for visitors as children are invited to make a free snowman magnet. Horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides are still being offered on the weekends.

Bright Nights Wants Your Memories

In preparation for Bright Nights at Forest Park's 20th season this year, the Spirit of Springfield is collecting memories, photographs and videos to be shared in 2014. These can include first dates, engagements, weddings, family traditions and more. Photographs and videos of trips to Bright Nights, with Santa, on the horse-drawn wagon, to name a few.

The goal is to create a memory book representing 20 years of Bright Nights, the Northeast's premier holiday lighting experience, and the impact it has had on its visitors.

Submit your Bright Nights recollections and remembrances to staff@brightnights.org.

New Member Added to Spirit of Springfield Board

Bringing his expertise to the Spirit of Springfield Board is John Sjoberg, a West Springfield businessman and Longmeadow resident. In addition being the President of New England Business Machine, he also serves as Vice Chair of the Sisters of Providence Health System Board of Trustees and Foundation Chair, and on numerous committees and boards in Western Massachusetts.

It was John's idea to have "celebrity" auctioneers at the City of Bright Nights Ball, which has turned in to an entertaining component of the gala.

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.

Celebrating the city's biggest, best and brightest

In This Issue

Bright Nights Still Glowing

Bright Nights Wants Your Memories

New Member Added to Spirit of Springfield Board

Guest Corner

Mayor Domenic J. Sarno,

City of Springfield,

Massachusetts

Greetings!

It is my pleasure to wish all the residents and businesses of Springfield a Happy and Prosperous New Year. 2014 marks the 24th year of the Spirit of Springfield. Please join with me in wishing them best wishes as they embark on another year of highlighting and celebrating our great City!

This year will present real opportunity for the City in keeping up the positive momentum we have constructed over the past several years. Springfield's revival will continue with UMass at Springfield opening their doors in the fall 2014, clarity will be brought to MGM Springfield's $800 million world class resort style development in the South End, Union Station will be moving forward and a bold and visionary re-build of the I-91 Viaduct will be under way.

It is an exciting time to be in Springfield and the collaborative relationships that have been fostered to bring about Springfield's revival will be strengthened to the benefit of everyone in our great City.

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