Summer StreetFest in Manchester, Vermont, means fun, food and fabulous music – a good time for every member of the family.  This free event, from 6 pm to 9 pm on Friday, June 17, is organized to benefit the Manchester Rescue Squad.  Meet stilt walker, Ryan Freeze, and enjoy live music from local band, the Prescription.  Ivo Ljubibratic of the Equinox will demonstrate Pickle-ball, a popular new racket sport and Doug Eash will entertain young and old alike with slight-of-hand magic and humorous commentary. There will be arts and crafts activities for the kids with The Downtown School and Stacy Gates of the Manchester Arts Studio & Gallery. In addition, Long Tail School students will be throwing pottery bowls in anticipation of their Empty Bowls event this year and many local artisans will display the results of their labors.

And don’t forget the food! Local restauranteurs offer up classic favorites from mac and cheese to sushi and barbecue.  Wine, beer and sangria will be available from The Perfect Wife Restaurant.  This is a block party you won’t want to miss.

The June 17 event is the first of two this summer presented by the Town of Manchester.  Main Street, between The Mountain Goat and Thai Basil, will be closed from 4 pm on the day of the event. Parking is available at MEMS and in the municipal lot behind Rite Aid. Due to expected crowds, no dogs are allowed.

For suggestions of where to stay in Manchester, see Vermont.com’s Manchester lodging pages.