It’s Ice Cream Social Season!

Manchester is famous for its ice cream socials. Each church has a variety of different attractions and menu items.

The season begins Wednesday, June 25 at Sharon United Methodist Church on the corner of M-52 and Pleasant Lake Road. Serving begins at 5 p.m., but many folks come early to visit, find a shady spot to sit, and watch the preparation activities. The sign announcing their social says “It’s All Good Here,” and the menu includes sloppy joes, famous hot chicken sandwiches, salads, sides, beverages, and, of course, ice cream and cakes galore.

On July 1, you may have to wander slightly out of the boundaries of Manchester, but a neighboring church will also host an ice cream social. St. James United Church of Christ between Clinton and Saline will offer the “standard favorites” in ice cream social fare, but unique specialties include a pretzel bun with ham, watermelon cups, and ice cream cones.

Bethel United Church of Christ (located at Bethel Church and Schneider Roads) has scheduled its ice cream social for Thursday, July 10, 2014, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The menu includes BBQ on bun, hot dogs, cold chicken salad on a mini croissant, American and German potato salads, coleslaw, beans, macaroni & cheese, chips, carrot and celery sticks, and a variety of beverages. If you’re a traditionalist, you can enjoy ice cream and cake, but if you’re feeling daring, have an ice cream cone instead (or in addition)!

Zion Lutheran Church, at the corner of Fletcher and Waters Roads in Freedom Township, will hold its ice cream social on Tuesday, July 15. Serving is scheduled from 5-8 p.m. The menu was still under development at press time but it’s guaranteed to be great. And chances are, it will include ice cream and cake.

St. Mary Catholic Church has set its ice cream social for Thursday, July 24. One of the special features of this social, in addition to the famous fare, bake sale, and children’s activities, is that it extends into Wurster Park, the Village’s “downtown square,” and attendees will have the opportunity to wander from the tents and the trees across the street to a gazebo concert featuring the Billy King Band! Oh, and don’t miss the ice cream and cake.

The season concludes at the Emanuel United Church of Christ ice cream social, set for Thursday August 7 from 5-7 p.m. at 324 W. Main Street. The menu includes: chicken or barbecue sandwiches, hot dogs, American and German potato salads, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw, pop and water. There will be ice cream and cake–surprise! Emanuel’s social also features a children’s activity area and the women’s fellowship group has a country store set up during the social.

Go to one or go to all of them, but don’t miss some of the greatest culinary offerings of the summer in Manchester!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.