DDA announces grand opening of Social District

Manchester's Social District Commons Area and host establishments. See the body of the article for specifics on which side of the streets are included in the Social District.

Submitted by C. Mersereau, Manchester DDA

The Manchester Downtown Development Authority and the Village of Manchester are excited to announce the Grand Opening of Manchester’s new “Social District Commons Area,” which will commence on Saturday, July 17, during the Chicken Broil.

The Social District is a community-building event that will be held every Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 12 noon until 10 pm all year long, except when school is in session, when the start time will be 4 pm. The location is downtown Manchester including both north and south sides of Main Street from Clinton Street to M-52; River Raisin Park; Adrian Street from Main to Duncan; and continuing on only the south side of Main Street from Clinton to Elton Street. Wurster Park on the south side of Main (the gazebo area) is also included in the Social District. The District will also be marked by signs posted around its borders.

Note that on July 17 District Grand Opening entertainment will be provided during the hours of 5 to 8 pm.

What is the new Social District all about? Essentially, it is an opportunity for the community to come together to mingle, socialize, and shop while listening to live music and enjoying their favorite alcoholic beverages in the Commons Area. Some of the Main Street businesses will be open during the Social District hours, in addition to the establishments serving alcohol, which are Frank’s Place, Sweet Leilani’s Desserts, Over the Edge Sports Bar, and the River Raisin Distillery. You will be permitted to consume alcoholic beverages on the designated sidewalks within the District, but not in any business except the four listed above. Additionally, patrons may only drink alcoholic beverages purchased and served in official, labeled containers provided by the host establishments. You may not carry your purchased beverage into a different host establishment than the one from which you purchased it.

There will be tables and chairs in front of the stage on Adrian street as well as in front of the host businesses and others along Main Street. There is no age requirement to be in the Social District Commons Area; however Public Safety Officers will be present and will help ensure that alcohol is not obtained and consumed by minors.

Please observe the following rules pertaining to alcohol consumption while enjoying the Social District Commons Area:
1. Patrons must purchase beverages from the four host establishments only.
2. You must consume beverages in approved and labeled containers that hold less than 16oz. Containers must be stickered with the Make It Manchester logo and the host establishment’s logo.
3. Containers may not be refilled/reused.
4. You may not bring your own alcohol into the Commons Area.
5. “Take Home” beverages may be purchased and labeled to take to your home. However, you may not consume them within the Social District Commons Area.
6. No alcohol is allowed in ANY store except for in the store where you purchased it.
7. Please dispose of trash in the provided trash cans.

These rules will be enforced by our Public Safety Officers. Please cooperate so we can ensure a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for everyone!

7-13-21 Editors note: This article was updated to clarify which sides of the streets mentioned are included in the social district.

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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.