A ribbon cutting ceremony with the Chamber of Commerce kicked off the grand opening day at 10 am at the New Manchester Market. From left: Joel Dalenberg (Grand River), Curt Titus (Architect), Sue LaRocque (Chamber), Ken Heers (Super Perky Pantry), Laura Billetdeaux (Acorn), District 52 State Rep. Donna Lasinski, Barry Allen (Chamber), Jeff O’Harrow, Hannah Heers, Emmanuel Saintin, Karl York (Grand River), Lisa Fookes (Chamber), Megan DeLeeuw (Acorn), Linda Stevens (Chamber), Kenny Frost (Acorn), and Kathy Dimond (Chamber). Barry Allen welcomed the market on behalf of the Chamber; while Ken Heers noted that this community-wide venture was actually becoming the “core of our business.”

A special cake created by Lakehouse Bakery’s Keegan Rodgers was cut and served to customers. From left, Keegan Rodgers, Kenny Frost, Ruth VanBogelen, and Megan DeLeeuw. Acorn sales were slightly over $5,000, with the average so far around $1,700. Acorn processed 413 transactions Saturday, compared to its average of about 125 to date. The Acorn Farmers’ Market & Café is hoping moving forward to get to an average of 200 transactions per day with sales averaging $2,500 a day.

Crowded aisles and busy checkout counters were a hallmark of the grand opening day at Manchester Market. Grand River Bakery, Butcher, and Commissary counters were also buzzing with activity.

Bille Lewis & the Soulbacks and John Louis Good provided entertainment throughout the day.