Here's your local news at a glance for Sunday, the 30th of November.
Good morning, Springfield.
Glen Gary Christmas Tree Farm in Agawam is open and welcoming families for the holiday season as tree farms across the Baystate begin business.
The family-run farm, started in 1985 (when David Fearn and his father planted 2,500 trees), sells 400 to 500 trees each weekend and keeps a cherished local tradition alive.
The Shriners' annual Feztival of Trees is now held at the Eastern States Exposition Fairgrounds in West Springfield with free admission + raffle tickets costing 15 for $10, and it runs through December 7 while proceeds benefit Melha Shriners.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will appear on select days to add to the holiday spirit.
Just before 3 p.m. on Saturday, the Springfield Fire Department responded to a house fire at 17 Washington Street that displaced nine residents — firefighters determined careless disposal of smoking materials caused the blaze and the Red Cross is helping those affected.
Xiomara Rosa, who began as a dishwasher, became the first female franchise owner by opening an 8th Bueno Y Sano restaurant in Holyoke.
The restaurant opened on Nov. 26 and will host a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 4 at 2 p.m.—it will serve customers Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
A player won nearly $50,000 after a $5 poker bet produced a straight flush at MGM Springfield—home to over 1,500 slot machines—on November 22.
The casino distributed over $80 million in jackpots from February through October and continues offering five table games.
The Feztival of Trees returns to Springfield with decorated trees and festive displays designed to mark the holiday season—organizers say the event will feature family-friendly activities and local vendor booths.
MGM Springfield hosted its annual tree lighting ceremony Friday night—kicking off the holiday season with the opening of the casino’s new outdoor ice rink, the only one in the city.
Westfield native Madison Curbelo and Santa Claus made special guest appearances at the event.
MassDOT will close the I-91 southbound exit 9 ramp to I-391 northbound for tree trimming from 9 p.m. Monday until 5:30 a.m. Tuesday.
Drivers must follow a detour via exit 8 southbound to Birnie Avenue, Walter Street and Noble Street to access the ramp.
Nina Katz, a Longmeadow native, served two years as a sergeant with the Israeli Defense Forces where she led search and rescue teams in the West Bank and ended her active duty on Thanksgiving — her family in Springfield expressed pride and relief over her service.
After transitioning to the Army reserves, she planned a brief tour of Southeast Asia before starting a career in human services.
The Springfield Thunderbirds lost 3 to 2 in a shootout to the Bridgeport Islanders Saturday night at the MassMutual Center—despite extending their point streak to five games—and will face Hartford next Friday at 7:00 p.m. against the Wolf Pack.
ROAR! Comedy: Todd Barry
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Tickets required — Experience an evening of laughter with comedian Todd Barry, known for his wit and TV appearances.
Teddy Bear Toss Night
6:05-7:35 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices fluctuate — Bring a new teddy bear and toss it onto the ice after the first goal for a charitable cause.
5th Annual Kringle Market
10 AM – 4 PM — Nosh Café and Restaurant — $2 at the door — Celebrate the holidays with local artisans, festive food, and community spirit at this vibrant market.
Holiday Sip & Shop
4:30-7:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz of Springfield — No entry fee — Enjoy festive refreshments while shopping local gifts and test driving Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Winter in Watercolor Workshop
10 a.m.–3:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $110, $94 for Members — Explore winter landscapes in watercolor with guidance from artist Andrea Mackin.
MGM Springfield Basketball Hall of Fame Classic
4:30-7 p.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket prices vary — Experience a thrilling basketball classic featuring UMass vs. Boston College and Yale vs. UAlbany in the birthplace of basketball.
Polish Christmas Decorations: Design, History, and Meaning
12:15-1:30 p.m. — Springfield Museums — $4 for residents, FREE for members — Discover the vibrant history and craft of Polish Christmas decorations with artist Susan Urban.
Breakfast with Santa
9-11 a.m. — MassMutual Center — Ticket price supports local charity — Enjoy a festive breakfast while meeting Santa and supporting a good cause.
25th Anniversary of the Festival of Trees
10 AM – 5 PM — MassMutual Center — Support local youth programs while enjoying a delightful display of beautifully decorated trees.
New England's Funniest Comedy Showcase
8-11 p.m. — MGM Springfield — Ticketed event — Experience a night of big laughs and fresh voices from New England's top comics.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Springfield.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.