MANCHESTER – With plenty of sunshine and temperatures less humid than last year, Manchester Day drew a large crowd with plenty of red, white and blue fun for all at Harry Wright Lake Park. They came out to enjoy a full schedule of activities, vendors and to not only take pride in the heritage of the township but celebrate the milestone 250th birthday of America one week early.
The archway upon the entrance noted the 250th anniversary of our nation and there were plenty of red, white and blue balloons seen around the park that featured inflatable and mechanical attractions, free swimming at the lake, numerous food and craft vendors and many local non-profit organizations and businesses that showcased what they offer to the community.
There was also representation from the township police, emergency medical services and fire companies plus the Ocean County Sheriff’s Office, the Manchester Library and the Mayor’s Veterans Advisory Committee.
Mayor Joseph Hankins, Council President Michle Zolezi, Council Vice President James Vaccaro, Councilwoman Sandy Drake and new Councilwoman Judy Noonan kicked off the event with a blast of confetti from their individual rockets while on stage in the park.
They were introduced by new township Recreation Director Caitlyn Sloan who may be new to her position but she’s no stranger to Manchester Day as she’s been part of the Recreation Department for years and took over for longtime Recreation Director Tracey Lynch back in the spring.
Sloan was very busy during the afternoon but she was clearly having fun as well. She told The Manchester Times, “Big shoes to fill but I think it has been going really well. I have a wonderful team in the Recreation Department and we work really well together. I think we were able to pull off something great here today.”
Sloan said she was happy that the rockets blasted off with no difficulty, filling the air and the stage with glittery confetti. “This is my eighth year with the Recreation Department so I’ve seen a lot of Manchester Days and I know how it works and everyone in the township is so wonderful and supportive so it wasn’t too hard to pull off such a big event.”
“We have great weather and we were very excited to get the fireworks moved to today so everything is a big celebration all in one day,” she added. The day was originally scheduled for Saturday but rain pushed it to Sunday. “We have quite a few vendors here and a great turnout this year and a lot of interest. The event continues to grow every year.”
The program event schedule listed many events for each half hour running from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. with fireworks at 9:30 p.m. Master Mann’s Karate demonstration and the township police’s popular K-9 Unit demonstration along with a DWI simulation course proved entertaining and informative. A hula hoop contest drew a lot of kids in front of the stage to test their talent for some prizes and there was also Bingo and a Name That Tune-America contest.
This year’s musical entertainment was provided by Soul Machine, formerly known as Total Soul. They are a highly energetic live music and party band that frequently performs across New Jersey and the tri-state area. They specialize in Motown, soul, funk, and rhythm and blues with a full line-up of singers, a horn section, and choreographed routines.
The schedule included the dates and location for the Recreation Department’s summer concert series. “Our first concert (Joey Scarangello “The Wedding Singer” and The FM Band) is on July 8. We have some exciting things coming up this year as well as our fall movie fest and we’ll be bringing back Christmas in the Pines again,” Sloan said.
(Photo by Bob Vosseller)
Manchester Township Emergency Medical Technicians Chris Giebel, Savon Box, Alia Lepenica and EMS Supervisor Kylie Skates were greeting attendees in front of the Manchester Emergency Services trailer during the afternoon. “It has been brisk,” Box remarked.
Giebel was busy making cardboard ambulances that were giveaways for kids along with other fun items at their table. “We have two trucks on standby in case anything happens.”
“It’s been a nice day and we have plenty of items for the kids,” Skates added.
The Whiting Assembly of God Church was one of several houses of worship present and their booth featured a replica of the Declaration of Independence, photos of historic locations in America, free booklets of the Constitution as well as literature and giveaway items for children.
The township’s Republican and Democrat clubs were also present providing swag, conversations and seeking new members while promoting candidates of their respective parties.
Telling the future is the forte of Princess Katey who is also known as the Witch of Whiting and she was having plenty of fun at her booth. “I’m also here to promote a special fall event that will bring together the witchy and magickal community to Jackson Township on October 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at (The Wisteria) Oliverie Funeral Home in Jackson on Cooks Bridge Road.”
Oliverie Funeral Home co-owner Geraldine “Geri” Oliverie Hennicke was at Manchester Day. Her business has a location in Manchester Township. She noted among their many upcoming activities is a Psychic Parlor that will run from 5 to 9 p.m. on October 3 that includes spiritual readings, tarot, vendors and much more.
As for food you could enjoy a cheese steak, barbeque, ice cream, various beverages and much more throughout Manchester Day.
