CELEBRATE HISTORY WITH EVENTS, FESTIVALS, AND ACTIVITIES. Events that celebrate the history and culture build community pride and, for some, foster a sense of belonging. One of the most effective ways to engage the community in shared experiences is to organize events and activities around anniversaries. Adding a fun challenge, such as a themed 5K race or a scavenger hunt, brings out citizens’ competitive spirit. Participants learn something about their city while meeting new people. The experiences are not only memorable, but they also help to build community pride. The City and its partners can sponsor and help organize such events to raise awareness of celebration-worthy milestones. Support local initiatives to celebrate the City and bring the community together. Many groups throughout the City are already innovating and collaborating on amazing projects. Currently, much of this work is done by Intown Manchester, a nonprofit
Business Improvement District that maintains and beautifies downtown and puts on several popular annual events, including the Christmas parade, the Taco Tour, and Summerfest to name a few. Currently, Intown Manchester selffunds from the proceeds from these events and other nonprofit fundraising efforts and through a surtax placed on properties within what the City of Manchester designates the Central Business Service District. The We Are One Festival began in 2013 to share a sense of diversity and support a sense of variety and belonging. It combined the Latino Festival and African/ Caribbean Celebration (Source: Manchesterinklink). The City should continue to embrace and support these efforts. It can do so by providing promotion of events via its social media pages, partnering to provide logistical support where appropriate, and loosening design standards that could unnecessarily impede creativity. Ongoing, deep engagement with property owners and business owners, making sure that there is buy-in and a wide range of ideas reflected in any plans affecting Manchester’s signature spots.
The First in the Nation (FITN) series of events that took place in 2020 celebrated New Hampshire’s 100th year of being the first state in the country to cast presidential primary ballots. This series is an excellent example of how the community has already implemented events that celebrate its history. A scavenger hunt around town, exhibits about the area’s political history, promotions by local businesses, and even a #MHTFITN hashtag were all coordinated to promote the celebration.
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Plan Manchester 2021