Spirit of Springfield Inc

Since December 1989, the Spirit of Springfield has been working to bring the community together in celebration.  The goals have been to build a stronger community, make lasting memories and forge new relationships.

It has been accomplished with events that include the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic, Star Spangled Springfield, City of Bright Nights Ball, Parade of the Big Balloons, Bright Nights at Forest Park and the many activities that are a part of the holiday lighting experience.  The Spirit of Springfield also coordinates the installation of the holiday lighting in downtown Springfield and has been instrumental in getting many businesses to purchase displays for their buildings.  After all, Springfield is the City of Bright Nights.

The events the Spirit of Springfield has been producing have become multi-generational.  Parents who brought children are now bringing grandchildren, and students who performed at events in choruses, bands or in dance routines are now applauding their children’s participation.

For many Springfield families, events like the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield and the Parade of the Big Balloons are seasonal high points as they may not be able to afford a trip to the beach, amusement park or other vacation destination.  The Spirit of Springfield events are held in safe, family-friendly environments.  They are where everyone is welcome. 

The Spirit of Springfield often lends its expertise to the City of Springfield and their departments.  The organization works with the Springfield Fire and Police Departments to present the September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.  We are currently working to find a permanent home for the World Trade Center artifact that the Spirit of Springfield received in 2011.  We present inaugural programs, swearing in ceremonies for Police and Fire Commissioners.  The Spirit of Springfield is often called upon in times of need like the passing of a police officer or a member of the military. We have also supported the 100th anniversaries of the Springfield Municipal Group and the Central Library, and presented a year filled with activities for Springfield’s 375th Anniversary.

The Spirit of Springfield, a private non-profit organization, is overseen by an active board of ten seasoned business professionals who have a strong commitment to Springfield.  It is operated by four employees.  In addition to presenting the events, they raise more than $400,000 in corporate contributions and twice that in donated products and services.  Donors come in varying denominations.  MassMutual Financial Group and Charlie Arment Trucking both support Bright Nights at Forest Park and Star Spangled Springfield.  The trucking company supports the July 4th festivities by donating the use of tractors to pull the fireworks on the flatbed trailers.  H. P. Hood provides all the milk, juice and creamer for the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast.  WWLP-22News, Western Mass News, The Republican, MassLive and the radio stations promote the events with news coverage as well as donated advertising.

Volunteers play a significant role to the Spirit of Springfield’s success.  They serve on committees to share their expertise in everything from golf and running to décor and dancing.  There are 200 volunteers that cook, serve and clean-up for the World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast, and an equal amount that guide helium giants down Main Street for Santa’s arrival.

With two military bases in close proximity, the Spirit of Springfield prides it self on the relationships established with them as well as the Massachusetts Army National Guard.  We honor the officers and soldiers as often as possible including a night of free admission at Bright Nights at Forest Park.  During the holiday season, the Spirit of Springfield hosts the 215th Army Band in Springfield Symphony Hall.  The organization has welcomed The U. S. Navy Concert Band and The U. S. Air Force Band with the Singing Sergeants. 

It is important to maintain the positive energy that the Spirit of Springfield creates for the benefit of its residents, neighbors and businesses.

FACTS

• World’s Largest Pancake Breakfast – 65,000 free tickets distributed to area students
• Star Spangled Springfield – 180,000 entertained annually
• Bright Nights at Forest Park - $11 million economic impact annually
• Parade of the Big Balloons – 26,000 cubic feet of helium to inflate balloons
• Volunteers – 400 annually
• Attendance – 400,000 annually