SPRINGFIELD – A German tradition is coming to Springfield.             

The Student Prince & The Fort Restaurant, at 8 Fort St., will be throwing a two-night Maifest party on May 17 and 18, from 5   to 11 p.m. Maifest is a German tradition that celebrates the arrival of spring. The event will benefit Rays of Hope, which raises money for breast cancer research and outreach. The Student Prince is donating $5 from each ticket to Rays of Hope, as well as, 50 percent of sales from a signature Ray of Hope drink.

“We’re extremely excited and honored to be partnered with [the Student Prince],” said Michelle Graci, the manager of events for the Baystate Health Foundation, which runs Rays of Hope.

Krista Siana, the director of Operations for the Student Prince said they wanted to do something similar to Oktoberfest for the spring and had the opportunity to the charity at the same time.

“They do so many great things,” said  Siana of why the Student Prince chose to partner with Rays of Hope.

“Through the Baystate Health Breast Network, Rays of Hope funds remain local to support research at the Rays of Hope Center for Breast Cancer Research, state-of-the-art equipment, and breast health programs, as well as, providing grants for complementary therapies and programs to local groups and organizations,” said Graci.

On Friday night, Siana said, Maifest will shut down Fort Street and, in a lot across from the Fort, there will be musical entertainment by Berkshire Mountain Wanderers from 5 to 6 p.m.

Then, Rudi Scherff of The Student Prince will briefly speak about the Maifest tradition. The tapping of the ceremonial keg will be performed by Springfield Mayor Domenic J. Sarno and Denise Jordan, chair of the Rays of Hope campaign and executive director of the Springfield Housing Authority. Sgt. Brian Elliott of the Springfield Police Department will host the ceremonial cheer. Afterward, the Right On Band will play from 7 to 10:30 p.m. The event will be emceed by radio personality Lopez from WMAS.

On Saturday night, Kyle Langlois will play from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and from 7 until 11 p.m. there will be music from the U2 tribute band, Unforgettable Fire.

The Maifest menu includes schnitzels, lamb, pork, veal, goulash, scrod, and salmon.

Guests are encouraged to wear pink to show their support for Rays of Hope. There will be raffles, vendors and more.

Tickets cost $20 each day and are available at the door or online at studentprince.com. Siana said families are encouraged to come out and there are wristbands for those ages 21 and up.

More information about Rays of Hope can be found at baystatehealth.org/raysofhope.