Public invited to Christmas in the Village planning meeting

2016 Christmas in the Village lighted parade

Planning has started for 2017 Christmas in the Village which will be held on Saturday, December 2, with an evening parade on Friday, December 1. As previous organizers had to step down, new volunteers have stepped forward to organize the parade and coordinate downtown events this year. Organizers are holding a planning meeting on Friday September 22 at 7 pm at the Proper Property Services building located at 131 Adrian St. (also known as “the old Tirb Building/Chevy Dealership”). Refreshments will be provided. Everyone who is interested in helping with planned events or interested in heading up their own events in conjunction with Christmas in the Village is encouraged to attend.

One of the new organizers, Jennifer Wojtowicz stated, “This year’s theme will be “The Polar Express” and we will be trying a new activity out to incorporate all area businesses…”The Christmas Crawl.” She emphasized, “We have a ton of ideas for this event that we will further share once we know that we have other volunteers to COMMIT in ACTIVELY participating to put on this event. The brainstorming is the easy part, it’s the carrying out of ideas that gets a little bit tricky when you only have so many hands on deck.”

Wojtowicz stated that they are committed to running the Parade Float contest following the Polar Express theme, a business window/storefront decorating contest following the Polar Express theme, cards for troops sponsored by Proper Property Services, crafts, demonstrations, sales, house & outdoor decorating/lighting contest for all Manchester residents whom would like to participate, and a “Christmas Crawl” in which you will have to visit participating businesses to collect train tickets which will be put in a drawing at end of event for prizes! She continued, “We are very much looking forward to giving some new life to this Manchester tradition and can’t wait to have others share in our enthusiasm!”

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by Sara Swanson

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