Luminaria sell-out in 2019

The weather was favorable and participation was up for the 2019 Luminaria.

“Another Luminaria project is complete and I can say the village was beautiful on Christmas Eve!” said Barry Allen of the Manchester Lions Club. “Thank you for your participation.”

The Lions sold 3,210 units this year and actually sold out their inventory at about 2 pm on Christmas Eve. Next year they plan to increase the amount of bags and candles, as in the previous five years, the club sold between 2,200 to 2,800 per year.

The club realized a small profit as well as a modest increase of donations over prior years, probably thanks to the increased sales. “As you know, this is a service project, not a fund-raiser,” Allen commented. “We will continue to maintain the cost of a set of 10 at $5.”

He added, “I managed to get the last load of sand from Farmer’s, and I do mean the last load ever, as they shut down and locked the gate behind me. We have enough sand to cover this coming year and we’ll need to decide what to do in the ensuing years.”

Thanks to all who beautified our town (and the surrounding countryside) by participating in this lovely and historic tradition.

For as little as $1 a month, you can keep Manchester-focused news coverage alive.

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.