SPRINGFIELD, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- The Springfield Thunderbirds held a ‘Community Caravan’ stop Friday at The Landing outside the MassMutual Center, drawing vendors, food trucks and families to the outdoor space.

Local vendors and food trucks lined the road outside the arena, giving attendees a chance to browse local goods. Face painters and balloon artists were also on-hand for children and families.

Inside the MassMutual Center, the Thunderbirds held a tag sale, where fans could purchase game-worn jerseys and other special merchandise.

Keith Allen, community relations coordinator for the Thunderbirds, said events like the caravan have grown since The Landing opened. “This was a great thing that they did putting The Landing in here,” he explained. “So many more events that we can offer our fans and just the community of Springfield as a whole and I think they’ve been doing a great job this summer with that, with their live music, having the World Cup games on and stuff like that. So, we’re hoping to utilize this space a lot more in the coming years, so this is a good test for us to see how things go.”

The Thunderbirds are set to host two additional community caravans this summer. The next event is scheduled for Friday, July 31, at the Basketball Hall of Fame. A third caravan is planned for Aug. 22 at Amelia Park Arena in Westfield.

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