Downtown businesses prepare for Street Festival crowd

Kellie’s and Stockwell’s Catering, like many other Manchester establishments, are preparing for this weekend’s Run Manchester and Street Festival. They are looking forward to the opportunity to have grilling in front of the store and will be selling Kielbasa, hot dogs and more. Inside, they are making specials for the Street Festival like Kellie’s famous quiche and a variety of soups.

While she recognizes that numerous Manchester residents will turn out for the event, like many downtown proprietors, Dawna Stockwell also hopes Run Manchester and the Street Festival will give out-of-towners a reason to come to the Village for the first time. She said, “This is a great opportunity to bring new people to Manchester to see what we have to offer–the new bridge, new shops and traditional down-home cooking!”

Last time the run was held, in 2014, over 100 people participated in the race, at least half from out of town. Many race participants bring family or friends with them.

The street festival will open with race at 10 am and go until 6 pm with events like the duck race, bed race, kids bike race, exercise demos, shopping, live music and more. For a complete schedule click here.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.