SPRINGFIELD — Rock 102 (WAQY-FM) will host its annual Mayflower Marathon food drive to benefit Springfield’s Open Pantry next week, marking 32 consecutive years of the community tradition.

This year, the event returns to MGM Springfield for the three days leading up to Thanksgiving. Morning hosts Bax & Nagle will broadcast for 52 hours, encouraging listeners to donate non-perishable food items to support Open Pantry Community Services of Springfield. With demand for assistance continuing to rise (more than 50% of households in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties now face food insecurity), the need for donations has never been more urgent.

The Mayflower Marathon has long been fueled by extraordinary community generosity. Local residents and businesses, including the Springfield Thunderbirds, Capitol Relocation and Logistics, Xfinity, Camping World of West Hatfield, Arment Trucking, and many others, have historically delivered overwhelming support. Rock 102 hopes to see that spirit continue in 2025.

This year’s lineup of scheduled guest interviews includes musician Gary Hoey; Mike Scully (West Springfield native and former executive producer of The Simpsons); comedians Tom Cotter, Bob Marley, Kerri Louise, Fitzy; and more.

The Mayflower Marathon kicks off at 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 and concludes at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26. Donations can be made at the collection site located by the South End Market at MGM Springfield or online at rock102.com.

SPRINGFIELD — Rock 102 will present its third annual Mayflower Marathon Comedy Night, an evening of laughter to support Open Pantry Community Services in Springfield, on Thursday, Oct. 16 at the Armory at MGM Springfield.

Nationally acclaimed comedian Tom Cotter will headline, joined by special guests Steve Nagle and Corey Gee, along with Bax, who will serve as host for the evening. Tickets are available now at rock102.com, with 100% of ticket profits donated directly to the Mayflower Marathon.

The night will also feature a silent auction with items from MGM Springfield, the Springfield Thunderbirds, Chris Marion Photography, and more; a $2,500 donation match courtesy of Dave Miner Exterior Home Improvements; and a limited number of Springfield Thunderbirds Mayflower Marathon jerseys available for purchase. All proceeds from the auction, donation match, and jersey purchases will benefit the Mayflower Marathon and support Open Pantry’s mission to help local families in need.

The Mayflower Marathon itself will begin at 6 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 24 and run through 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 outside the South End Market at MGM Springfield.