Manchester Manchester Day had a fantastic day this year, despite the weather appearing a bit uncertain the day before.
The yearly festival, which offers a wide range of entertainment, has returned to Harry Wright Lake. Tracey Lynch, the director of recreation, organized the event flawlessly. However, she admitted that she prayed a lot for favorable weather. Rain and the possibility of thunderstorms were predicted for the area just twenty-four hours ago, but fortunately, that forecast was canceled.
Lynch said to The Manchester Times, “I don’t think I slept at all this week.” It was quite nerve-racking to watch the weather. “I’m not sure if we’ll be able to pull off the event or if we’ll have to cancel the fireworks,” I said in the mayor’s office. However, there is no actual wind today and it is sunny. The day is becoming more and more lovely.
In the evening, the band Kickin Wing took the stage. They spend the entire night with us here. There are twenty-one non-profit and sponsor organizations, fourteen food vendors, and 29 craft dealers. We feature a rock climbing wall, inflatables, and rides for kids.
There were family-friendly games as well. Gift cards and baskets supplied by local businesses were among the prizes. Activities included a K-9 demonstration, an obstacle course, and a demonstration of Master Manny’s Kum Sum Martial Arts. In a DWI simulation offered by law enforcement, participants wore goggles to simulate what it would be like to be a drunk driver.
A SWAT truck from the Sheriff’s Department is present. We have a police table, and dispatch will also be present. Our police, career fire department, and Whiting Fire Company will also be there. Lynch remarked, “We have a lot going on.” Members of the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Board, who were actively pushing the Hometown Heroes initiative, and EMS representatives were also involved.
The embellished archway that guests passed through and the accompanying message thanking them for attending was a novel touch. To make it a little more festive, we decided to keep this up and decorate it for Manchester Day, just like we did for Christmas in the Pines. This year, we had a beach theme. The same group as last year will perform at our Hawaiian Luau on August 8 as part of our upcoming summer concert series. “I’ll be sharing everything that happens,” she continued.
Connie Dixon, who is 91 years old and has lived in the township for more than 50 years, and her daughter Frederica Warren were among the first people to arrive.
Dixon remarked, “I live in Whiting, right down the street.” Here in Whiting, the weather is pleasant. One of the villages is where I reside.
Her daughter said, “I live in Manchester proper, but it’s all Manchester.”To win a prize, choose a duck from the pool. At this Manchester Day attraction, everything was just ducky. (Image courtesy of Bob Vosseller)
The two had a prime location in front of the stage area, where the first event included a hula hoop competition, and they positioned their chairs beneath a tree to receive some shade.
According to Dixon, the two frequently attend the event and take pleasure in the Recreation Department’s summer concert series. Regarding Manchester Day, they stated that the music is what they like most about it.
Warren continued, “We have never been let down.” It has always been a beautiful day. We arrive early. Before anyone sets up, we arrive.
The event began with confetti exploding from devices held by Council members James Vaccaro, Craig Wallis, and Sandy Drake, as well as Mayor Joseph Hankins.
Before the mayor and council threw the vibrant confetti into the air at the stage, Lynch thanked the numerous sponsors for the day. Although some people had a few little issues releasing their confetti, it was all part of the enjoyment.
The Navy League of the United States was one of the several religions, companies, civic associations, and political parties. Vincent Norman Robinson, a resident of the township, is the secretary for the group’s New Jersey Council. During the day, he sat at the organization’s table with Fernando Rivera and Council President Daniel A. Dermer.
The Navy League New Jersey Council attended Manchester Day for the first time. President Teddy Roosevelt founded the US Navy League in 1902, and it currently boasts more than 25,000 members nationwide. Of all the Navy League Councils, the state council is the biggest and busiest. It supports all U.S. Coast Guard Cutters and stations in central and northern New Jersey and plans to soon expand that assistance to Cape May and Atlantic City.
The organization’s three missions are to support all U.S. sea services, raise the spirits of active-duty personnel and their families, educate Congress and the American public about the value of robust sea services, and assist young people through initiatives like the Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Junior ROTC, and Young Marines.
Along with Oliverie Funeral Home employees, Geri Oliverie was there to advertise a number of forthcoming events. She mentioned that a Lunch and Learn Preneed Seminar, which will feature a complimentary lunch on August 5, will take place at the Wisteria Jackson Township site from 1-3 p.m.
The American Red Cross will organize a blood drive at Manchester’s Oliverie Funeral Home from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visit RedCrossBlood.org, enter the sponsor code Oliverie, or give 732-657-4900 a call to make an appointment.
Free swimming in the lake was one of the day’s activities, and since lifeguards were on duty, both parents and kids enjoyed cooling down in the lake during the day. Fireworks marked the end of the day.
