[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 138 (Thursday, November 13, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1558]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN CELEBRATION OF THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SPIRIT OF SPRINGFIELD

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                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 13, 2014

  Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the 25th anniversary of the Spirit of Springfield. Since 
incorporated on December 21, 1989, the Spirit of Springfield has 
entertained approximately eight million area residents and visitors 
with events that bring the community together in celebration and 
provide community vitality. These events currently include the World's 
Largest Pancake Breakfast, Spirit of Springfield Golf Classic, 
MassMutual Star Spangled Springfield, Tower Square Parade of the Big 
Balloons, City of Bright Nights Ball, Bright Nights at Forest Park and 
annual free holiday concert by the 215th Army Band of the Massachusetts 
Army National Guard.
  Bright Nights at Forest Park is the largest event the Spirit of 
Springfield presents and it is in conjunction with the Springfield 
Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management. The three-mile 
drive through magnificent lighting displays has been honored by the 
American Bus Association as one of the Top 100 Attractions in North 
America for multiple years. 2014 marks the event's 20th season.
  The Spirit of Springfield is also pleased to provide event services 
to the City of Springfield for events that include the mayoral 
inaugurations, building dedications, swearing-in ceremonies, police 
academy graduations and September 11th Remembrance Ceremony.
  To produce the events, the non-profit organization, which is governed 
by a Board of Directors and employs three-full time employees, raises 
approximately $450,000 in corporate contributions and an additional 
$450,000 in donated goods and services. The magic is all made by three 
full-time employees, college interns, volunteers and a dedicated board 
of directors.
  Mr. Speaker, as a longtime supporter of the Spirit of Springfield, I 
am very proud to congratulate them on their 25th anniversary and wish 
them many more years of success with their future endeavors.

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