Recreation Division

James “Dutch” Fogarty Independence Day Celebration

Come celebrate the 4th of July at the annual James “Dutch” Fogarty Independence Day Celebrate! Enjoy food trucks, an artisan market, a Kid’s Zone, live music, and – most importantly – a fireworks display! Please contact the Recreation Division at (860)647-3084 with any questions.

• Meets: Sat, 07/06/24, 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Rain Date: Sunday, July 7)

• Location: Manchester Community College Bandshell, 60 Bidwell Street

• Ages: All ages welcome

• Fee: No cost to attend

Build It Yourself Boat Contest

Calling sailors of all ages! Come join us for a DIY Boat Contest. There are only two rules: the boat must be made of cardboard and duct tape, and they must be built prior to arriving at the contest. Bring your boats to Globe Hollow and see if your boat is the fastest! We will offer free pizza to everyone who participates. Bring your boats and hope they float!

• Meets: F, 07/26/24, 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM (Rain Date: August 9)

• Location: Globe Hollow

• Ages: All ages welcome

• Fee: No cost 

Moi the Koi: Summer Adult and Child Swimming Challenge

Moi the Koi is calling on swimmers of all ages to complete this year’s summer challenge!

Moi is challenging youth 17 and under to complete 100 laps / individuals 18 and over to complete 200 laps. You may use any strokes that are marked on the 2024 summer swimming challenge card. The challenge cards will be distributed at the Community Y, Center Springs, or any of our pools. When you complete a box of laps, present your card to one of the down lifeguards at the pool and they will stamp the box.

 Once you’ve completed 200 laps in any or all the strokes, bring the completed card to the Community Y where you’ll be entered into our raffle. The challenge will run from July 8 to August 5, and we will draw the winners on Friday August 9th at Waddell Pool during the Friday Night Event.

Neighborhoods & Families Division

Spruce Street Farmers Market
Save the date for the upcoming Spruce Street Farmers Market! All market dates accept SNAP/EBT payments & will double the value of SNAP purchases up to $30.00 (spend $30.00 using your EBT card to receive an additional $30.00 to spend on SNAP-eligible items). In addition, all children in attendance will receive a $2.00 Power of Produce voucher each market for use on any fresh produce.

• Meets: W, 06/05/24-08/28/24, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM

• Location: Market Field, 153 & 163 Spruce Street

• Ages: All ages welcome

• Fee: No cost to attend. Free parking available at 160 Spruce Street.
  
  

Senior Power of Produce Vouchers – August Farmers Markets

The Spruce Street Farmers Market & Northwest Park Farmers Market are proud to announce the Senior Power of Produce (POP) Program, a new supplemental nutrition program that offers weekly $5.00 produce vouchers to Manchester’s seniors!

The Senior POP Program offers Manchester seniors the opportunity to register for a $5.00 voucher for use on any fresh fruits or vegetables at the Spruce Street Farmers Market (Wednesdays, June 5 – August 28, 4:30 PM – 7:30 PM, 153 & 163 Spruce Street) and the Northwest Park Farmers Market (Wednesdays, September 4 – October 30, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM, 448 Tolland Turnpike). Voucher registration opens at 9:00 AM on the 1st Monday of the month from May 2024 – September 2024 for the following month’s markets (i.e. registration for August Power of Produce vouchers opens on Monday, July 1st @ 9:00 AM). Registered participants can pick up their vouchers at the Welcome Pavilion at the Spruce Street or Northwest Park Farmers Market. 

You must be a Manchester resident aged 60+ to register. Registration is capped at fifty (50) total vouchers per weekly farmers market. Limit one voucher per resident per week. Registration can be completed by calling or visiting:  

• Manchester Senior Center (549 E Middle Turnpike) (860)647-3211 

• Center Springs Park (39 Lodge Drive) (860)647-3084 

• Customer Services at Town Hall (41 Center Street) (860)647-5235

Youth Service Bureau

Stroller Walks

Come meet at the playground at Charter Oak Park for an approximately one-hour walk. Slow paced infants and children who will stay in a stroller for the walk or join on foot are invited to attend. Walks are canceled in case of heat or inclement weather. For further details or to be added to the cancellation list, please contact [email protected].

• Meets: Tu, 07/16/24-08/20/24, 9:00 AM

• Location: Northwest Park, 448 Tolland Turnpike

• Ages: Children ages 5 & under

• Fee: No cost to attend