Grab your chair and your blanket, and head to Riverfront Park on July 4 for a spectacular evening featuring some of the area's finest young talents and the world renowned Fireworks by Grucci. Festivities start at 7PM. Fireworks
at 9:30PM.

Come celebrate America. I hope to see you there!

Judy Matt
President

Commissioner John Barbieri Takes Oath

The Springfield Police Department welcomed their new Commissioner, John Barbieri, on June 5 in Old First Church. He was applauded by some of the states highest-ranking law enforcement officers including Massachusetts State Police Colonel John Alben, U. S. Marshal John Gibbons, and Sheriff Michael Ashe.

Commissioner Barbieri's badge was pinned on him by his son, Anthony. Then, the Springfield Police Officers in attendance stood and renewed their oath to protect and serve.

The Spirit of Springfield was honored to be able to assist the Springfield Police Department with the historic event.

Star Spangled Springfield Fun

Riverfront Park in Downtown Springfield will be the place to be on July 4 when the Spirit of Springfield makes it a Star Spangled Springfield. Festivities sponsored by MassMutual will begin at 7PM with Falcetti Music youth bands-Delightful Syrup, Diversity and Ladies & Gentlemen. They will be followed by the 100 young voices that makeup Dan Kane's Rising Stars. Radio Disney will also be on hand with activities and giveaways.

At 9:30PM, all eyes will be on the skies and all radios will be tuned to Mix 93.1 FM for the fireworks musical simulcast. Fireworks by Grucci has an incredible show planned featuring 2,800 fireworks shells and 1,640 Grucci Grand Illuminations which include gerbs, mines, comets, Roman candles, waterfalls and more.

Additional support for Star Spangled Springfield is being provided by Tower Square/CBRE, Smith & Wesson, MGM Springfield, The Republican, Mix 93.1FM and WWLP-TV22News. Working behind the scenes to make the event spectacular are City of Springfield, 90 Meat Outlet, Allied Waste, Charlie Arment Trucking, Elegant Affairs, H. P. Hood, Joseph Freedman Company, Michael's Party Rental, Springfield Parking Authority, United Tractor Trailer School and more.

Wild Bill Wins Howdy Award

Congratulations to Wild Bill Vezina on winning the Greater Springfield Convention & Visitors Bureau Howdy Award in the attractions category. He was one of more than 400 nominees, which was narrowed down to 48 finalists and then to eight winners.

Bill was nominated by the Spirit of Springfield for his outgoing personality, his eagerness to assist and his goal to make every visit to Bright Night the finest. He is one of six Springfield Park Division employees that install, remove and maintain the magnificent lighting displays.

Great Day for Golf

It was a glorious day at Franconia Golf Course for the Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic. More than 120 players competed for the Joe Superneau Cup with the winners being David Cuoco from the Springfield Park Division, Keith Ornelas from M. J. Norton Security, Larry Goldberg with Clear Channel Springfield and former State Representative Peter Lappin.

Competing in a friendly putting contest were three area mayors-Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Chicopee Mayor Richard Kos and Westfield Mayor Daniel Knapik. It was Mayor Kos that took home the Spirit of Springfield Cup and bragging rights.

Bright Nights Happenings

Plans are well underway to commemorate Bright Nights at Forest Park's 20th season. Dates and menus have already been set for Dinner with Dickens and Supper with Santa, two holiday events held in the Barney Carriage House.

Catered by the Log Cabin, Supper with Santa will be held Friday, December 12 and Sunday, December 14. It features a kid-friendly dinner with chicken tenders, macaroni and cheese, and vegetable lasagna. Dinner with Dickens, a collaboration with Westfield on Weekends, will be presented Tuesday, December 9 and Thursday, December 11.

Learn more at brightnights.org activities page.

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

Commissioner John Barbieri Takes Oath

Star Spangled Springfield Fun

Wild Bill Wins Howdy Award

Great Day for Golf

Bright Nights Happenings

Guest Corner

John Chandler,

Chief Marketing Officer, MassMutual

Friends, family, fireworks and lots of fun. The Fourth of July is a favorite holiday for many Americans as we celebrate our country's independence with lots of patriotic pride. What better way to join in the fun than to attend this year's Star Spangled Springfield celebration, which is gearing up to be truly impressive with great music, dazzling fireworks and a chance for neighbors, friends and family to come together. Since 2006, MassMutual has been a proud sponsor of Springfield's July 4th festivities because we are dedicated to giving back to our community and supporting the many events and organizations that help make our city and region great. It is MassMutual's hope that the Springfield community and families from across our region will once again come out to enjoy this spectacular and "star spangled" celebration.