PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The second Springside Park gala returns on Friday, June 30.

 

The Springside Park Conservancy held the first gala last year in an effort to raise money for improvements to the park, it was the first outdoor social event at the park in decades.

 

A total of 225 tickets were sold and about 150 showed up. The event features music, food, and wine and beer from a cash bar. 

 

"The money is all for improvements to the park. Last year we raised $3,000 but we started with zero," said Ward 1 City Councilor and chair of the gala committee Lisa Tully said on Friday.

 

The concept of remains the same as last year, the only change is a few different food options. This year's slate of local restaurants include Brooklyn's Best, Ponchos, Bigg Daddy's, the Rainbow Restaurant, Brenda's Catering, and the Desert Bar. Wandering Star and Spirited are returning for the beer and wine options. And the Rich Vinette Jazz Quintet will provide the music.

 

Tailored Events is providing rentals for decor, which Tully said is being increased this year.

 

"Everybody who came [last year] said they had a really good time," Tully said.

 

And so far, the response has been similar, Tully said. The volunteer organization sent out invitations recently and the tickets sales have been coming in at a similar rate as this time last year. 

 

The evening also gives attendees an opportunity to see the new mobile writer's studio, which was installed as part of the Masthead's project, as well as chat with the architects about it. Berkshire Earth Regenerators will be on hand with newly unveiled designs and information for the eventual food forest to be developed at Springside.

 

The Springside Conservancy will also present the second Vincent J. Hebert Award. Last year, the first recipient of the award was longtime coach and umpire Mark Mitchell. The award is given to a member of the community who "has made outstanding contributions and positive impact on Springside Park."

 

Tickets are $30 and must be purchased ahead of time by contacting Tully at 413-329-0074; at ltully@pittsfieldch.com; or by sending her a Facebook message. 

 

The conservancy coalesces a number of volunteers groups at the sprawling 237-acre park. Groups including the Hebert Arboretum, Springside Greenhouse Group, the Friends of Springside, and Morningside Initiative have joined together and created a master plan for the park.

 

The park has had a lot of movement behind it and a restoration of the historic Springside House is underway. There are plans for a food forest, improvements to the pond, and more in the works. The Springside Conservancy's funds will go toward adding even more to the project.