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Residents Want Manchester Day
I've attended each Manchester Day at Harry Wright Lake in Whiting since the celebration started more than a decade ago. Manchester Recreation Director Geri Teutsch has done an outstanding job of making Manchester Day enjoyable for our residents each year.
It was a day for the young and the young-at-heart. Children enjoyed rides, games, pony rides and swimming. Families enjoyed the boardwalk style food and craft vendors. Teens enjoyed the freedom to roam around the park in a safe atmosphere, while enjoying the attractions. Many enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere of chatting with friends and enjoying the entertainment and concert. Donated raffle prizes were awarded to lucky winners. And the fireworks capped off a day dedicated to families and in celebration of our nation's independence. It was a day for families to gather, and not have to spend a fortune. A day of township unity. A day for families. An oldfashioned town fair.
Over the years, corporate support and donations have contributed to the expansion of the festivities, holding costs to a minimum. But it was worth the investment.
So, why, if something works so well, is the township changing it? The current plans for July 5, now called the Independence Day Celebration, will feature a concert in the evening, followed by fireworks. What happened to Manchester Day? Why have all of the children's activities, games, rides and vendors been eliminated?
Many residents are not aware of the changes to take place this year. And it may be too late to resurrect some of the activities for this year's "Non-Manchester Day." But I encourage residents to contact our municipal governing body and offer their comments and support for the return of Manchester Day. Contact the Township Council at Councilmail@ manchestertwp.com, the mayor at (mfressola@manchestertwp. com) or call 732-657-8121.
POSTSCRIPT: Many residents attended the April 28 Town Council meeting and expressed their support for restoring Manchester Day. Many others e-mailed our representatives at town hall. It appears township residents, young and old, from the eastern and western sections of town, wholeheartedly support restoring the children's activities and the family atmosphere at Manchester Day. The council assured the public they would do everything in their power to restore the celebration.
In the meantime, Mayor Fressola has issued a press release explaining that due to the Police Department's concern for safety with the large number of people attending Manchester Day, it was necessary to scale back.
I certainly understand the concerns regarding safety and traffic. And while I look forward to the concert and fireworks, it is a shame that the activities for our youngest residents were the first things to go. Rest assured, the concert and fireworks will continue to draw large crowds, and the dispersing of those crowds under the cover of darkness brings challenges. (I have every confidencethat our Police Department will continue the outstanding job they have done thus far). The afternoon activities for the children probably had a minimal effect on those safety concerns.
The elimination of Manchester Day should have been made public months ago, allowing for residents' input. Perhaps bus shuttles, satellite locations or alternate plans could have been made to provide some activities for the children.
Marge Camposano,
Manchester
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