By The Paper staff
NORTH MANCHESTER, Ind. – The Manchester Symphony Orchestra Ensemble and the Gregory Hyde Band are set to take the stage for the “Christmas in July” Street Fair.
Music, sponsored by Beacon Credit Union, BIT, McKee Mortuary, Shepherd’s Chevrolet and Wetzel Insurance, is part of the fundraising campaign for town Christmas lights led by the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce. The event will be from 6-10 p.m. Saturday, July 8, at Market Square
A two-sided, lighted wreath has been chosen for the downtown pole decoration at a cost of $350 each if ordered by July 7. Officials must decide whether the wreaths will have white lights or colored lights.
They hope to cover all 21 of the light poles located in the downtown district. Plans are also underway to purchase a lighted “Merry Christmas” sign for the west entrance of town to be placed on the Harting Furniture building.
Organizers of the street fair invite the community to drop in and enjoy the music and activities while spending some time with friends and family.
Tickets can be purchased for hot dogs and chips, “Grands Philadelphia Water Ice” provided by Robert and Eileen Sklar, owners of the new “Grands Ice Cream Shoppe.”
A bounce house, face painting, and local vendors will also be part of the fair. A silent auction will take place at The Firehouse from 6-9 p.m. Donations of items for the auction may be made by contacting Leah Kerr.
A Christmas cookie eating contest and the Ugly Christmas Outfit Competition are planned for 7:15 p.m.
Silent Auction sponsors include Pizza Hut, Rhinestone and Roses, Blooms and Heirlooms, Dairy Queen, Manchester University Athletics, Manchester Athletic Dept.,
Autumn Ridge Rehabilitation, K&S Trucking, New Market, Main View, Zook’s, Port Side Pizza and Greg Fisher.
Those interested in helping with the Christmas lights fundraising campaign, should contact the North Manchester Chamber of Commerce at 260-982-7644. Committee members include Joel Harting, Leah Kerr, Kevin Kling, Kelly McKee, Adam Penrod, Debra Pyrah, Kylie Rickert-Snyder, Jodi Egner and Sebrena Cline.