Manchester Chamber Of Commerce Hosts Christmas In The Pines Festival

left to right: Ken Gross – Second Vice President, Rob Arace – President, Deanna Arace – Chief Marketing Officer, Roxy Conniff – First Vice President, Sean Conniff – CFO (Photo courtesy Manchester Chamber Of Commerce)

  MANCHESTER – The Manchester Township Chamber of Commerce, a newly-founded 501(c)6 organization formed by small businesses in Manchester, aims to improve the economic climate of our town and create a stronger community and this past Saturday, they did just that.

  The Chamber’s inaugural “Christmas in the Pines” festival was a major success, drawing at least 300 residents from all over town and bringing together young families and retirees to celebrate the holidays. The festival included 15 craft vendors, a “make and take” DIY craft by Angela Kiraly of Life Expressions Décor, food vendors from Manchester-based restaurants, and a visit from Santa sponsored by the Whiting Fire Department.

  “This event is exactly what our residents are looking for – something to bring together the community and introduce some life back into our great town” said Manchester Council President Craig Wallis, who attended with his wife, Theresa.

  Next year’s festival plans to be even bigger and will continue to be hosted in the parking lot of the Whiting Town Center Plaza to help bring foot traffic and inspire business development. “We couldn’t have done it without the help of our sponsors, thanks to the Whiting Fire Company and their Chief, Ian Engle, Lowe’s for their donations, and the Whiting Town Center for hosting us” said Chamber President, Rob Arace.

  The Chamber will be hosting more events in 2022 and looks forward to providing the much-needed support of the business community in Manchester.