LFR Program Newsletter
Town of Manchester Bicentennial Celebration
Open-Air Trolley Tour
Although the Past, Present & Future art exhibits will be up for most of April & May, if you want free trolley transportation between them & other special Bicentennial events, you’ll have to come on down to Downtown Manchester on May 13th!
Reflect, Celebrate, Dream in the Park
Join us for this community event to include music, yoga, drum circle, time capsule display, “Your Story” preservation, kidzone, family fun and more!
- Date: 5/13/23, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Center Memorial Park, Downtown Manchester
- Rain Location: Leisure Labs @ Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street
- Fee: No cost to attend
200 Trees for a Greener Tomorrow
In celebration of the Town of Manchester’s Bicentennial, the Manchester Garden Club plans to give 200 native tree seedlings, along with fact sheets & planting instructions, to Manchester residents. Come visit our table at the Reflect, Celebrate, Dream in the Park event at Center Memorial Park.
- Date: 5/13/23, 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
- Location: Center Memorial Park, Downtown Manchester
- Rain Location: Leisure Labs @ Mahoney Center, 110 Cedar Street
- Fee: No cost to attend
A Day in the Park
The Manchester Elks ae hosting their annual “Safe Kids” program. Participate in Hoop Shoot, a National Free Throw Program for Youth Ages 8-12. Take part in the soccer shoot for youth under 14. Join us for a fun Day in the Park!
- Date: 5/13/23, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
- Location: Charter Oak Park
- Contact Information: Manchester Elks Lodge #1893 (Chris Terry, [email protected])
Recreation Division
Tiny Gallery Presents: Audrey Labbe
Join Audrey Labbe as she debuts her Eclectic Art Experience in Drawing at the Tiny Gallery on May 10 from 3-4 PM.
Youth Service Bureau Division
Youth & Police: Hartford Yard Goats vs. Portland
Join the Youth Service Bureau and the Manchester Police Department for a night of fun with the Hartford Yard Goats!
- Date: Th, 5/18/23, 5:30 PM – 9:30 PM (dinner provided)
- Location: Dunkin Donuts Park, Hartford (transportation provided)
- To Register: Call (860)647-5262 or email [email protected]. Space is limited for this FREE program!
Passport to Family Fun: Pet Portraits
You don’t need to travel far to have fun! PASSPORT to Family Fun provides monthly family activities that encourage communication and teamwork in a fun environment! Join local artist, Megan Goodell, for an instructional paint class to create a unique painting of your family’s best friend! All families will receive a “PASSPORT,” which will be stamped at each event. Families who attend 5 or more events throughout the year will be entered into a drawing for a Grand Prize!
Families must email a photo of their pet to [email protected] in order to participate.
- Date: Th, 5/11/23, 5:30 Pm – 7:30 pm
- Participants: Families with children ages 5+
- Location: Manchester Youth Service Bureau, 63 Linden Street
- To Register: Call (860)647-5262 or email [email protected]. Registration is required and space is limited for this FREE
Neighborhoods & Families Division
Pokemon Pack Battles
Join competitive Pokemon TCG player Vaughn O’Brien for a brief introduction to the Pokemon Trading Card Game. Each participant will be given one free Scarlet & Violet Booster Pack. After that, the trainers (attendees) will be paired & will participate in pack battles.
- Meets: Tu, 05/02/23-05/16/23, 5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
- Location: Eastside Neighborhood Resource Center, 153 Spruce Street
- Ages: 5-17 (participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult guardian)
- Fee: $10/$12 (per class)
Spruce Street Farmers Market
The Spruce Street Farmers Market will run on Wednesdays, June 7 through August 30, from 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM at Market Field, 163 Spruce Street. Vendor selections are thoughtfully curated to include diverse food and business owners, with products including: fresh fruits & vegetables, meats & eggs, honey & maple syrup, gluten-free baked goods, vegan offerings, CT trucks & artisans.
The market also accepts EBT/WIC payments & will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $20.00 (spend $20.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $20.00 to spend on SNAP-eligible items).
- Location: Market Field, 163 Spruce Street
- Meets: W, 06/07/23-08/30/23, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM
- Ages: All ages welcome
- Fee: No cost to attend. Free parking available across street at 160 Spruce Street.
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About Author
James Costa is the Neighborhoods & Families Coordinator for the Department of Leisure, Family, and Recreation. He began working with the division during his sophomore year at Manchester High School, and he is now a UConn graduate with degrees in Journalism & Film Studies.
Fun Fact #1: I won my car in a raffle during Manchester High School’s Project Graduation.
Fun Fact #2: My all-time favorite movies are All That Heaven Allows, Punch-Drunk Love & Twin Peaks: The Return.