News Flash

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Mayor Ken McClure sends the community his holiday greeting in an annual video Christmas Card produced by the City’s Department of Public Information & Civic Engagement. "As we turn the page to a new year, there are fresh opportunities to collaborate, celebrate and concentrate on issues that will truly propel Springfield forward. I hope that you will seek out ways to connect with us in this new year," McClure says in front of the Park Central Tree. More than 2000 citizens gathered in front of that tree Nov. 23 when the Mayor and special performers hosted a lighting ceremony to kick off the season.

McClure joined fellow council members Richard Ollis and Matt Simpson last Saturday in the annual Downtown Christmas Parade, where City Council was one of 80 entries, including 14 marching bands and drum corps. 

A new holiday event: "Home for the Holidays" will take place Monday, Dec. 23, as Springfield welcomes several hundred service members and trainees from U.S. Army Fort Leonard Wood to Springfield for a day filled with fun, food and music. Each year, approximately 350 military personnel are not able to get home for Christmas, despite the base closing down for two weeks for holiday block leave. Local businesses, restaurants, nonprofit organizations and individuals have donated more than $17,000 in cash and an additional $40,000 plus in in-kind donations to offer this special day. Stay tuned to the sgfhomefortheholidays.org and the City’s social media sites to learn where citizens can line up Monday morning to welcome the men and women to Springfield. The Welcome Ceremony will include musical entertainment and a proclamation from Mayor McClure. 

McClure also suggests that citizens consider voting for History Museum on the Square in USA Today’s annual "Best New Attraction" competition. With half of the voting complete, Springfield’s world-class museum is trending number one!

Best New Attraction

1. Springfield History Museum on the Square
2. American Kennel Club Museum of the Dog
3. The Hunger Games: The Exhibition
4. Allianz Field
5. J. Rieger & Co.
6. Otherworld
7. Sound Waves at Gaylord Opryland
8. Tidal Cove Waterpark
9. Chuck Williams Culinary Arts Museum
10. Arts Worcester

Log your vote at https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-new-attraction/! Voting is open until Monday, Dec. 30. 

To follow live voting action, look for us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest.

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For more information, contact Cora Scott at 417-380-3352 or [email protected].