In the News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The Spirit of Springfield announced plans for the 2019 City of Bright Nights Ball Friday morning.

Congressman Richard Neal and Chairman, President and CEO of MassMutual Roger Crandall were named this year's co-chairs.

Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt was joined by Mayor Domenic Sarno, President of Monarch Enterprises Paul Picknelly, MGM Springfield General Manager Alex Dixon, and other Spirit of Springfield members to make the announcement.

"This is going to be a great way to lead us into the 25th season of Bright Nights at Forest Park," Matt said.

"The elegance of bright nights, anyone who has participated or gone to the event, it's really stellar," said Congressman Neal. "I think this is another indication of a very important part, not only of Springfield's history, but the future as well."

"It's special for a bunch of reasons for me," Crandall told 22News. "First of all when my kids were little, we used to go driving through the park, which is kind of neat for me in that perspective. I think the 25th anniversary of anything is special because it shows something that persevered over time and has grown."

This year's Bright Night's Ball is scheduled to take place Saturday, November 9th. The theme is "Once Upon a Time."

The City of Bright Nights Ball is the organization's largest fundraiser.