Thank you to everyone who made the 2013 season of Bright Nights at Forest Park a great success. The weather was not always cooperative, but the spirit of the season and cooperation brought the Bright Nights team together. The goal was to offer the visitor the finest experience.

Our focus now is on warm weather activities like the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic and Star Spangled Springfield. Funds to raise, products to solicit and logistics to prepare for. Bring it on!

Judy Matt
President

Bright Nights Weathers the Weather

For its 19th season, Bright Nights at Forest Park faced Mother Nature head on. Rain, snow, freezing temperatures and more. The staff endured, as did many visitors. Some commented that the lights sparkled in the rain. Others braved the cold to enjoy the lights aboard Manley Drafts' horse-drawn wagon or carriage.

In total, we had 32,594 cars and 234 buses who enjoyed Bright Nights. According to preliminary results from the Program Book Survey, 15% were first time visitors.

Now, the Springfield Park Department crew have the arduous task of dismantling the massive displays and putting the safely away for the 20th season.

Think Spring!

While the weather outside is frightful, the Spirit of Springfield's thoughts are so delightful. Plans are underway to bring a flapjack feast to the middle of Main Street, friendly foursomes for a scramble Franconia Golf Course, and a Star Spangled Springfield on July 4th.

These events bring the community together in celebration, make lasting memories and show the city's vitality. They are also a lot of fun!

We will be looking for volunteers for the breakfast, golfers for the tournament, and patriots for Independence Day festivities.

Strike Up the Band

The U. S. Air Force Heritage of America Band is coming to Springfield for a springtime performance. Their sounds will fill Symphony Hall on Wednesday, April 23.

Forty-members strong, the Concert Band entertains approximately 60,000 people annually. They have earned worldwide acclaim as well as military awards including eight Air Force Outstanding Unit awards and three Colonel George S. Howard Citations of Musical Excellence for Military Concert Bands.

Congratulations to Our New Neighbor

The Spirit of Springfield is pleased to welcome 180 Fit Gym to One Financial Plaza. Their space on the ninth floor offers so many amenities that co-owners Jesse Baker and Brian Roach are eager to share with you.

The gym combines an energetic atmosphere with an elevated fitness experience and offers all the amenities nine stories above the bustling city. Members can do their cardio workout while the enjoying panoramic views of the city lights and the Connecticut River. Learn more at 180 Fit Gym.

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 Weathers the Weather

Think Spring!

Strike Up the Band

Congratulations to Our New Neighbor

Guest Corner

Michael A. Fenton, Esq.,

President,
Springfield City Council

Keeping Springfield's Legend Alive

Springfield has always been a center for innovation and a place where diversity is nurtured.

This past January I was sworn in as the President of the Springfield City Council on the day after my twenty-seventh birthday. I am quite sure that our forefathers didn't anticipate a time in history when people like me would be elected to serve in government. However, I have no doubt that our forefathers would be proud of our city's diverse government.

As a city, we are reinventing ourselves every day and with the help of community partners like the Spirit of Springfield we are keeping the legend of Springfield alive.

With our eye on the horizon and an appreciation for our place in history, we push forward into a new year with a City that is poised for greatest. There is a palatable sense of optimism in Springfield lately, and it's long overdue.

Thank you to the Spirit of Springfield for all you do to promote our City and to preserve her legend.

We are Springfield... and she is strong.

Help Us Plan For 2014!

Send Us Your Thoughts and Ideas to
staff@spiritofspringfield.org