From left: Kathy Fry-Miller, Judy and Richard Myers-Walls, Jan Rhoades and Judi Brown.

By RENATA ROBINSON
Executive Director, Manchester Main Street

Chad and Christy Maple at the Tall Oaks venue Christmas tree.

NORTH MANCHESTER — Manchester Main Street extends a heartfelt thank you to all the tremendous community support that helped make Saturday’s 4th annual Manchester Main Street “Light Up The Town” Holiday Gala a huge success. Over 150 guests attended the Dec. 5 sold out progressive dinner event in celebration of this year’s Manchester Main Street accomplishments. The evening could not have been possible without venue hosts Dave and Renee McFadden and Carolyn Reahard Living Trust.

Their two historic homes — Tall Oaks and the Reahard home — were beautifully transformed into holiday splendor by Dave and Renee McFadden, Bill and Denise Leonhard, Kent and Lisa Ulrey, Michelle and Lindzy Shepherd, and Lori Nevil. Complementary venue shuttle service was provided by Manchester University, Timbercrest Senior Living Community and Visit Wabash County.

Local event sponsors and donors included: Batteries Plus Bulbs, Beacon Credit Union, NiMa, Shepherd’s Chevrolet, Timbercrest Senior Living Community, Manchester University, Leland and Angilee Beery, Crossroads Bank, Edward and Martha Miller, Brad Yoder, Bill and Mary Earle, Grandstaff-Hentgen Funeral Service, Visit Wabash County, Mary Chrastil, Economic Development Group of Wabash County, Priscilla Metzger, Mr. Dave’s, Nate and Tracy Trump and David and Patty Grant.

Eris Migliorini at the Reahard home venue photobooth.

Special mention goes out to Visit Wabash County for sponsoring the historic Wabash County Trolley No. 85. The refurbished 22-passenger people mover is available for private events, historic tours, wedding celebration shuttle services, and public events. Visit the Visit Wabash County website or contact Christine Flohr at (260) 563-7171 or [email protected] for more information.

Tall Oaks’ select hors d’oeuvres were prepared by Chartwells. KenapocoMocha, Main View, and Zook’s Café created exclusive dinner selections. Delectable desserts from Nordmann’s Nook and Manchester Marketplace were served at the Reahard home. Specialty drinks were provided by Main View. Musical accents and infectious dancing were courtesy of Marilyn Mason directing the Manchester Junior-Senior High School Choir Ensemble and DJ Bob Hipp. And, Gala guests took home numerous one of a kind silent auction treasures generously donated by area businesses and artisans.

We are grateful for the Manchester Main Street Board members, countless volunteers and event attendees who played a huge role in creating a memorable night out on the town. In particular, we would like to thank the North Manchester Key Club for their invaluable event service staffing and clean up. Holiday Gala organizers were Maribeth Callicoat, Brandi Chauncey, Stacey Jarrett, Susan Manwaring, Matt Nettleton, Renata Robinson and Tracy Trump. Event and photobooth images were courtesy of Christine Chamberlain and Kimberly Baer. Additional event photos can be accessed on Manchester Main Street’s Facebook page. For more information, visit www.manchestermainstreet.org or contact Renata Robinson, Manchester Main Street Executive Director, at (260) 901-6045 or [email protected].