Bright Nights (Springfield)

Last updated

Bright Nights is an annual holiday lights display held in Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts. The event is run collaboratively between Springfield's Department of Parks, Buildings & Recreation Management and local nonprofit Spirit of Springfield. [1] The event usually runs from Thanksgiving week until January 1 or 2.

Contents

History

Development

In February 1995 Patrick Sullivan, the Springfield Parks Director, found a brochure from a North Carolina company which created light displays. Sullivan, who was also inspired by simple holiday displays he had seen at Forest Park during his childhood, decided he wanted a series of light displays for the park. [2] [3] [4] That spring, Sullivan and Judith Matt, president of Spirit of Springfield, worked with designer John Catenaci to design the displays. [3] The displays were initially invested in by Peter Picknelly, the chairman of Peter Pan Bus Lines at the time. [2] [4]

Construction began in August, with only three months before the opening date. [4] The plans for the event were officially revealed during a press conference on September 7, 1995. [5] The displays themselves began arriving in October. [3]

Further issues arose when it came to actually assembling the displays and powering them, as electricity access within the park was limited. [2] Ultimately, five and a half miles of trenches were dug on either side of the route in order to provide the electricity via underground wiring. [6]

1995–2010

The event's opening night was November 24, 1995. [5] Tickets were six dollars, and 1,488 cars attended. [7] [8] [9] Although its planned closure date was January 7, [5] the event ran until January 14, 1996, by which point some of the displays were buried due to heavy snowfall. [10] [11] 74,859 vehicles attended in total, far beyond the initial estimates of 40,000 vehicles. [5] [11] Original displays included the Nativity scene (which was installed on December 13, after not initially present due to concerns about legality), [12] Never Never Land, North Pole Village, Poinsettia Candles, Seussland, Spirit of the Season, Toy Land, Victorian Village, and the Winter Woods. [4] [5] [13]

In 1996 the Barney Mansion, Noah's ark, Leaping frog, Elf package toss, and Elves polishing sleigh displays were added, as well as a gift shop. [4] [13] [14] [15] In 1998 the Kwanza display was added. [4] In 2000 the poinsettia displays at the opening gate and the Monopoly displays were added. [4] The American flag and the Garden of Peace display were added to the route in 2001; the latter was a memorial to those lost during the September 11 attacks. [3] [4] The final "Happy Holidays Springfield" display was also added this year.

A 2003 study estimated that Bright Nights had brought in $7.3 million to the regional economy. [9]

The Jurassic World display was added in 2005. [3] [4] Santa's cottage was added in 2006. [4] In 2007 LED light replacement began, which would continue until 2022. [3] [16] [17]

The event brought in $8,212 between the 2008 and 2009 seasons. [9]

2009 saw the opening of the new Winter Garden display to celebrate the event's 15th anniversary, which further extended the route by a quarter mile. [18] [19] The 2010 season added the Game of Life spinner to Toy Land. [19]

2011–2020

Preparations for the 2011 season faced some difficulty due to an October snowstorm, which downed trees and branches and damaged some displays; however, the event was able to open on time. [20] By 2012 the event had doubled the number of light displays from 2004. [21]

2014 marked the event's 20th season. [22] A carousel was added to Santa's Magical Forest that year. [4]

2015 saw 36,899 cars attend the event. [23]

Before the 2016 season officially began, the John J. Shea Bright Nights Technical Training Facility was opened. [4] [24] The facility would work on equipment used during the lights display and would allow local students to learn trades such as electrical work and welding. [24] 2016 saw a dip in revenue from the event, which was attributed to special dates with lower ticket prices to make the event more affordable. [23] However, attendance had actually increased to 39,969 cars. [23]

Opening night in 2017 was the most well attended in the event's history with 1,400 cars driving through. [25] Starting in 2017, the Zoo in Forest Park has collaborated with the Parks Department and Spirit of Springfield to open the zoo (which is normally closed for the winter) for one or two nights during Bright Nights. [26] [27] [13]

In 2018 a new display honoring the Springfield Thunderbirds was unveiled. [28] In 2019 another display, this one of a lion, was added nearby to commemorate the recent opening of MGM Springfield. [4]

In 2020 the event was subject to some restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All tickets had to be purchased online in advance, and no in-person activities, such as Santa's Village and the Bright Nights Gift Shop, were open. [29] [30] [31] The event's hours were also shortened, with the front gate needing to shut at 8:45pm. [30] To make up for the loss in hours, the city allowed the display to remain open for three more days in January. [30] Despite the restrictions, more than 45,000 cars drove through the display, making it one of the most successful years since 2000. [7]

2021–2022

In 2021 the lightning ceremony for opening night was attended by Charlie Baker, the then governor of Massachusetts. [7] This marked the first time the state's governor had attended the event since 1995. [7]

In the summer of 2022 Bright Nights was one of 20 attractions in the state to be given a grant by the Destination Development Capital Grants program. The $49,350 allowed event organizers to replace the old blizzard tunnel and improve the gift shop. [32] [33] In 2022 all lights were officially switched to LED bulbs. [17] Expected attendance was more than 40,000 cars. [33]

Route

The event boasts more than 675,000 lights along a three-mile drive. [34] [35] As of 2019 the event had 420 display pieces. [4]

The entrance to the event features poinsettia lights, and displays depicting an American flag (which has been sponsored by Big Y since 2001), [4] a Nativity scene, a kinara, and a channukiah. [36] From there, cars continue to the Winter Garden section. [22] After a few displays depicting scenes from Peter Pan, the route continues into Seussland, which features displays of some of the characters and buildings from the books of Dr. Seuss, also known as Theodor Geisel, who was born and raised in Springfield. [2] [36]

Cars are given a choice of parking in Santa's Magical Forest or continuing on the route. [22] The Bright Nights Gift Shop and Santa's Cottage, which hosts meet and greets with Santa Claus, are located near the parking lot. [4] [22] [13]

Continuing on the route, cars pass the Garden of Peace, which includes angels watering flowers. [3] The Jurassic World section follows, which has an assortment of dinosaurs and an erupting volcano. [22]

After passing the dinosaurs, cars head down a hill into the Victorian Village section, which features a facade of the Everett Barney mansion. [37] After driving through the Winter Woods under several arches of leaping deer, cars enter the North Pole Village. [36] Following this section is the final section, Toy Land, which features some games from Milton-Bradley, which was based in the region. [2] [4] The final displays are four large candles surrounded by a poinsettia wreath and a display of Santa's sleigh flying over the city with the text "Happy Holidays Springfield". [36]

Special events

The event has had some horse-drawn wagon and carriage rides on the route. [4] [13]

Bright Nights 5K Road Race

There is a five kilometer race held on one night of the event, dubbed "Springfield's favorite race" by Spirit of Springfield. [38] [39] The event started in 2006. [40] Only 500 tickets to run in the event are available, and they often sell out within days or hours of being released. [38] [39] [41] The lights display is closed to vehicles for the duration of the race, and runners enjoy a soup dinner after they finish. [38] [39] [41] Proceeds from the event go to Spirit of Springfield. [38]

In 2020 the race was not held in person due to the COVID-19 pandemic. [40] Runners did have an option to run the race "virtually", and could upload their times and photos of themselves after running the five kilometers in their own neighborhoods. [40]

Military and First Responders Night

The night, which gives free admission to military members and first responders, was added in 2004. [4] [13] In 2021 the night also included Front Line workers for the pandemic. [42]

Supper with Santa

This event, which is hosted at the Barney Carriage House, started in 2007. [4] [13] [43]

Awards

In 2001 the event received the title of "Best Tourism Creative Execution - Events" from the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. [4]

The American Bus Association included Bright Nights on its 2000, 2009, 2011, and 2014 "Top 100" lists. [4] [9] [44]

Yahoo! Travel included the event on its 2012 list of "America's best places for holiday lights". [9]

In 2019 USA Today put Bright Nights in fourth place on their list of the top ten best public holiday lights displays; in 2020 the event was placed tenth. [34] [45] The event has been nominated for the award four times in total. [46]

In 2022 Bright Nights was dubbed "Best Christmas Light Display" in Massachusetts by Travel + Leisure. [47]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Springfield, Massachusetts</span> City in Massachusetts, United States

Springfield is the largest city in and the seat of Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States. Springfield sits on the eastern bank of the Connecticut River near its confluence with three rivers: the western Westfield River, the eastern Chicopee River, and the eastern Mill River. At the 2020 census, the city's population was 155,929, making it the third-largest city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and the fourth-most populous city in New England after Boston, Worcester, and Providence. Metropolitan Springfield, as one of two metropolitan areas in Massachusetts, had a population of 699,162 in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas lights</span> Decorative lighting used at Christmastime

Christmas lights are lights often used for decoration in celebration of Christmas, often on display throughout the Christmas season including Advent and Christmastide. The custom goes back to when Christmas trees were decorated with candles, which symbolized Christ being the light of the world. The Christmas trees were brought by Christians into their homes in early modern Germany.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forest Park (Springfield, Massachusetts)</span>

Forest Park in Springfield, Massachusetts, is one of the largest urban, municipal parks in the United States, covering 735 acres (297 ha) of land overlooking the Connecticut River. Forest Park features a zoo, aquatic gardens, and outdoor amphitheater, in addition to design elements like winding wooded trails, and surprising, expansive views. The site of America's first public, municipal swimming pool, currently, during the holiday months Forest Park hosts a popular high-tech lighting display, known as Bright Nights. Contrary to popular belief, the park was not designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, although it was designed by his firm.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Eastern States Exposition</span> Annual agricultural fair in western Massachusetts for the six New England states

The Big E, formally known as The Eastern States Exposition, is an annual fair in West Springfield, Massachusetts which opens on the second Friday after Labor Day and runs for seventeen days.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Oglebay Park</span> Historic house in West Virginia, United States

Oglebay Park is a self-supporting public municipal park, the only one of its kind, located on the outskirts of Wheeling, West Virginia, on 1,650 acres (670 ha). In 1926, Earl W. Oglebay deeded his estate, Waddington Farms, to the city of Wheeling for the express purpose of public recreation. The park has been open to the public since 1928 when its governing body, the Wheeling Park Commission, began operations.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party also known as “MVMCP”, is an event hosted at Disney's Magic Kingdom on select nights throughout November and December leading up to Christmas. MVMCP features holiday entertainment such as: a parade, dance parties, character meet-and-greets, and complimentary treat stations. The event runs from 7:00 pm to midnight, but party guests may enter beginning at 4:00 pm. To enter Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, you will be required to purchase a separate ticket from the general admission ticket counter.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holyoke Mall at Ingleside</span> Shopping mall in Massachusetts, United States

The Holyoke Mall at Ingleside is a shopping center located in Holyoke, Massachusetts, in the city's Ingleside neighborhood. It is owned by The Pyramid Companies. The mall features 135 stores, a large food court, and several restaurants and is 1.6 million square feet, the third-largest in New England by retail space. The mall features the traditional retailers Macy's, JCPenney, Target, Best Buy, Burlington, and Hobby Lobby.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Luminaria</span> Christmas-related decoration consisting of a candle contained in a paper bag

Luminaria is a term used in different parts of the world to describe various types of holiday lights, usually displayed during Christmas. In English, the term most commonly refers to a specific type of simple paper lantern made by placing a votive candle in some sand inside a paper bag. Also known as a farolito, it is a traditional Christmas decoration in the Southwestern United States, particularly New Mexico, where it is a cultural hallmark of the Pueblos and Hispanos of New Mexico and a part of the state's distinct heritage. Luminarias are usually placed in rows along walls, roofs, and walkways to form a holiday display, especially on Christmas Eve.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skull Mountain</span> Indoor roller coaster

Skull Mountain is an enclosed roller coaster located at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, New Jersey. Designed and manufactured by Intamin, the ride opened to the public on June 3, 1996.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Monson High School</span> Regular high school in Monson, Hampden County, Massachusetts, United States

Monson High School is a school located in The Monson Public School school district in Monson, Massachusetts, United States. The school's construction started in 2000 and was finished in 2002. The Monson High School replaced the old Junior Senior High School which has now become Granite Valley Middle school. This is Monson's only high school and houses grades 7–12.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights</span>

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights was a display of Christmas lights and decorations at Disney's Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, Florida. Initially constructed by an Arkansas businessman as a gift for his six-year-old daughter, the display became one of the most popular attractions during the park's holiday season. It debuted in 1995.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Great River Bridge (Westfield)</span> Bridge in Westfield, Massachusetts

The Great River Bridge in Westfield, Massachusetts, is a pair of camelback truss spans over the Westfield River carrying US 202 / Route 10. The original bridge was completed in 1939, and a second bridge was finished in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts</span> United States historic place

Forest Park is a Victorian garden district located in Springfield, Massachusetts, developed between 1880 and 1920. It is the city's most populous neighborhood, and surrounds the 735-acre Forest Park, for which the neighborhood is named. The Forest Park neighborhood has nature and recreation within walking distance. To the west, I-91 separates Forest Park from the Connecticut River. A 195-acre section of the neighborhood was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 as the Forest Park Heights Historic District.

East Forest Park is a neighborhood in the south central part of Springfield, Massachusetts. The neighborhood borders East Longmeadow, Forest Park, and the Sixteen Acres neighborhood. It is a primarily residential middle-class neighborhood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Holiday in the Park</span>

Holiday in the Park is a Christmas event that takes place at several Six Flags parks. The event features Christmas lights along with live entertainment, and usually follows Six Flags Fright Fest in October. In 2020, Holiday in the Park was re-imagined to Holiday in the Park Lights for certain parks following the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Zoo In Forest Park and Education Center, also known as the Forest Park Zoo, is a nonprofit zoo situated in Forest Park, Springfield, Massachusetts. It spans an area of four acres and is home to a variety of exotic, native, and endangered species.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas in the Park (San Jose)</span> Annual holiday event in San Jose, California

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Christmas in Australia</span> Overview of the role of Christmas in Australia

Christmas traditions in Australia, like Christmas in New Zealand, have many similarities to British, Irish, American and Canadian traditions, including traditional Christmas symbols featuring winter iconography. This means a red fur-coated Father Christmas or Santa Claus riding a sleigh, songs such as "Jingle Bells", and various Christmas scenes on Christmas cards and decorations. However, the timing of Christmas occurring during the Southern Hemisphere's summer season has resulted in the development of some local traditions as a result of the warmer weather.

Traditional decorations displayed on this holiday include nativity scenes, poinsettias, Christmas trees, and candles.

References

  1. ↑ "Bright Nights at Forest Park". www.brightnights.org. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 O'Brien, George (2019-12-10). "As It Marks 25 Years, Bright Nights Displays Power of Collaboration". BusinessWest. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Eaton, Danielle (2019-12-12). "Bright Nights celebrates 25 years of holiday lights". Reminder Publications. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 "Bright Nights: A Treasured Tradition For 25 Years". The Republican. 17 November 2009. pp. G3-5, G7-8, G13-14, G22. Retrieved 6 January 2023.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Bobskill, Laurie (8 September 1995). "It's time to begin thinking of snow". The Republican. pp. B3.
  6. ↑ Pugh, Susannah (15 November 1995). "Officials hoping light show will brighten city tourism". The Republican. pp. A1.
  7. 1 2 3 4 Aresco, Nick; Torres, Melissa (2021-11-24). "Bright Nights at Forest Park now open for the holiday season". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  8. ↑ Snowden, Jonah (2022-11-23). "Bright Nights celebrates its 28th season with annual lighting ceremony". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 McClure, Rosemary (30 November 2012). "America's best places for holiday lights". travel.yahoo.com. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  10. ↑ "Requests lengthen Bright Nights run". The Republican. 7 January 1996. pp. A9.
  11. 1 2 Freebairn, Willliam (17 January 1996). "Bright Nights brought in 75,000 cars". The Republican. pp. B1.
  12. ↑ Pugh, Susannah (14 December 1995). "Creche brightens display". The Republican. pp. A1.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Bright Nights - A Treasured Tradition for 25 Years. 2019. pp. 20, 22–23, 40, 67, 77, 92, 109.
  14. ↑ Constantine, Sandra E. (10 July 1996). "Bright Lights set to expand". The Republican. pp. B1.
  15. ↑ Goonan, Peter (20 November 1996). "Bright Nights lights off to glittering start". The Republican. pp. B1.
  16. ↑ O'Connor, Keith (2013-11-24). "Bright Nights ready to shine again". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  17. 1 2 O'Connor, Keith (2022-11-20). "Bright Nights returns to light up holidays". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  18. ↑ O'Connor, Keith (2009-11-22). "Bright Nights begins on Wednesday". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  19. 1 2 O'Connor, Keith J. (21 November 2010). "Bright Nights - Holiday lights return to Forest Park". The Republican. pp. G01.
  20. ↑ O'Connor, Keith J. (20 November 2011). "Bright Nights returns on time". The Republican. pp. G01.
  21. ↑ Flynn, Jack (2012-12-26). "Spirit of Springfield walks financial tightrope to keep Bright Nights alive". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 O'Connor, Keith (2014-12-22). "5 displays to see at Bright Nights at Forest Park". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  23. 1 2 3 Peter, Goonan (2017-02-26). "Spirit of Springfield: Bright Nights attendance increased, revenue dipped in latest season". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  24. 1 2 "New Bright Nights training facility to provide instruction for local students". WWLP. 2016-11-21. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  25. ↑ "Bright Nights returning to Forest Park for its 24th season". WWLP. 2018-11-20. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  26. ↑ MacLean, Duncan (2019-12-12). "Wednesday's Bright Nights featured Zoo at Forest Park". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  27. ↑ Thomas, Kayleigh; D'Amours, Kristina (2022-12-14). "Zoo in Forest Park opening for Bright Nights in Springfield". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  28. ↑ "Bright Nights celebrates its 24th season with a new display and activities for families". WWLP. 2018-11-27. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  29. ↑ "Bright Nights, Winterfest usher in the holiday season". Journal Inquirer. 19 November 2020. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  30. 1 2 3 O'Brien, George (2020-11-24). "Bright Nights Will Be a Bright Spot in a Trying Year". BusinessWest. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  31. ↑ Knight, Taylor (2020-09-24). "COVID-19 not stopping Bright Nights at Forest Park". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  32. ↑ Snowden, Jonah (2022-08-02). "Bright Nights, Three County Fair share in $2.2 million in destination development grants". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  33. 1 2 Price, Matt; Crane, Rich; Trowbridge, Ryan. "Setup underway for 2022 Bright Nights season". Western Mass News. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  34. 1 2 Morrison, Heather (2020-12-23). "Two Massachusetts holiday light displays are among the best in the US, according to USA Today". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  35. ↑ "Bright Nights at Forest Park - 2021 Guide with Schedule, Tickets & More". bostononbudget.com. 2021-12-08. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  36. 1 2 3 4 "Bright Nights at Forest Park". www.brightnights.org. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  37. ↑ Slane, Kevin (7 December 2016). "10 dazzling holiday light displays in Massachusetts". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  38. 1 2 3 4 Thomas, Kayleigh; D'Amours, Kristina (2022-11-28). "Hundreds participate in sold out Bright Nights annual 5K Road Race". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  39. 1 2 3 "Bright Nights 5K Road Race registration opens Monday". masslive. 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  40. 1 2 3 Aresco, Nick (2020-11-02). "Bright Nights 5K Road Race to be held virtually". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  41. 1 2 Oliver, Lexi; O'Connor, Samantha (28 November 2022). "Hundreds ring in the holidays at sold-out Bright Nights 5k". Western Mass News. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  42. ↑ Shook, Ashley (2021-12-01). "Bright Nights honoring military and first responders". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  43. ↑ Marion, Chris (2016-12-12). "Seen@ Bright Nights Supper with Santa at the Barney Carriage House in Forest Park". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-07.
  44. ↑ Kinney, Jim (2014-12-05). "Bright Nights once again named 'Top 100' attraction by American Bus Association; tour buses account for $3.5 billion in spending in Massachusetts". masslive. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  45. ↑ Palma, Kristi (16 December 2019). "A Mass. city has one of the 'brightest and most beautiful' holiday light displays in America, according to USA Today readers". www.boston.com. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  46. ↑ D'Amours, Kristina (2022-11-10). "USA Today nominates Bright Nights for "Best Public Holiday Lights Display"". WWLP. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
  47. ↑ Kachroo-Levine, Maya (19 November 2022). "The Best Christmas Light Displays in Every State". Travel + Leisure. Retrieved 2023-01-02.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.