Remember to register for holiday lighting contest!

This weekend, Dec. 5, will be the down-sized “Christmas in the Village” event. A small group of hardworking volunteers has coordinated a series of events designed to share the joy of the holiday season even while social distancing in the time of coronavirus. Here is a list of the planned events:

Frosty Maze, starting at Wurster Park (near the gazebo) from 10 am to 5 pm. Follow the “frosty clues” around Manchester for a chance to discover new locations! You might even find a surprise or two!

A virtual story time with Mrs. Claus will be held via Zoom at 11 am, where she will read “Frosty the Snowman” in keeping with the snowman theme of the weekend.

A drive-through Santa visit will be held in the parking lot of Emanuel Church, 324 W. Main Street (parking lot in rear) from 1-3 pm. Bring the kids to safely visit Santa and tell him what their special wishes are for Christmas!

In the evening, a holiday lighting tour will be published on the Christmas in the Village Facebook page (facebook.com/manchestermichristmas). Pictures of contestants’ homes will be available starting Dec. 2, so you can vote for your favorite decorated home! Pre-registration is required for participation, so head to bit.ly/CIVLightingContest by noon on Wednesday, Dec. 2 to be included. Prizes will be awarded!!

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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.