25-02-2025
Bright Nights at Forest Park celebrate 30th season with appreciation breakfast
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – The Spirit of Springfield is celebrating 30 years of Bright Nights at Forest Park during its annual appreciation breakfast on Tuesday.
During the event at the Sheraton Springfield, two first responders and two colonels will be recognized by the Spirit of Springfield for the service they provide. The following will be honored by Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt and Executive Director of the Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management Tom Ashe:
Springfield Fire Captain Drew Piemonte
Springfield Police Officer Joseph Brodeur
Colonel David Halasi-Kun, Wing Commander for the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base
Colonel Gregory Buchanan, Commander of the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover Air Force Reserve Base
'It was another spectacular year for Bright Nights at Forest Park,' said Spirit of Springfield President Judy Matt. 'We had visitors who have been taking the holiday tour since 1995. We welcomed new visitors, and awarded prizes to the 30th, 300th, 3,000th, and the 30,000th cars.'
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'The Springfield Department of Parks, Buildings, and Recreation Management has been a bright light in our 30-year collaboration, first with Patrick Sullivan, who retired last year, and now with his predecessor, Tom Ashe,' added Matt. 'The department does an incredible job with the event's infrastructure, from the lights to the landscape.'
Those who attend the breakfast will be given a new Bright Nights at Forest Park interactive book, 'A Magical Wonderland'. To purchase the book, visit for more information.
In a news release sent to 22News from the Spirit of Springfield, proceeds from Bright Nights at Forest Park help to fund their annual budget to present events that include the World's Largest Pancake Breakfast, Star Spangled Springfield, September 11th Remembrance Ceremony, and the upcoming free concert by the U.S. Air Force Academy Concert Band.
This year's Bright Nights at Forest Park's 31st season will open on Wednesday, November 26th.
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