LIVE MUSIC ON SELECT SATURDAYS 5 - 7 PM : Mark & Clarke June 1st Brotchman June 15th Sugar House Fire June 19th Manchester Music Festival July 13th Wild Goose Chase
July 20th Manchester Music Festival July 27th Andris Berry Band August 10th
If You Must Know
Additional Attractions
More fun in the sun at Dana L . Thompson Memorial Park mclvt . org
LIVE MUSIC ON SELECT SATURDAYS 5 - 7 PM : Mark & Clarke June 1st Brotchman June 15th Sugar House Fire June 19th Manchester Music Festival July 13th Wild Goose Chase
July 20th Manchester Music Festival July 27th Andris Berry Band August 10th
If You Must Know
August 24th Local Artists Local Food Local Fun 138 Cemetery Ave , Manchester Ctr , VT
Pickleball , Anyone ?
In line with the rising popularity of America ’ s fastest-growing sport , Dana L . Thompson Memorial Park has installed three pickleball courts , which are located on their multi-purpose pickleball and basketball court surfaces . The lines are permanent , and portable nets are available upon request . For additional pickleball fun , be sure to book an appointment at the Stratton Training & Fitness Center just down the road from Manchester , where courts and lessons are available for booking at affordable rates . The Center houses eight dedicated pickleball courts , and their clinics are overseen by dedicated racket sports professionals from the Stratton Staff .
Applejack Stadium
Nestled within Dana L . Thompson Memorial Park lies the esteemed Applejack Stadium , a cherished gem renowned for its pristine natural grass playing field . With a rich history dating back to 1887 , the stadium boasts a historic grandstand originally erected for horse racing events . It offers seating for up to 500 spectators , proudly ranking among the oldest wooden grandstands nationwide .
Recently , Applejack Stadium has installed two electronic scoreboards , generously provided through a collaborative philanthropic venture between Union Underground and the Manchester Rotary Club . Further enhancing the stadium ’ s amenities , a significant renovation project overseen by Manchester ’ s former Town Manager , John O ’ Keefe , took place in 2020 . This endeavor saw the installation of 138 new stadium seats , accompanied by several ADAaccessible seating spaces , ensuring an inclusive environment for all .
Among the stadium ’ s distinctive features is the VIP section , affectionately dubbed “ The Dog Pound .” Its name pays tribute to the local high school team , the Burr & Burton Academy Bulldogs . Positioned on the eastern side , these VIP seats offer privileged views and an unparalleled game-day experience for discerning patrons .
Beyond its role as a venue for local high school and middle school competitions during the spring and fall seasons , Applejack Stadium has earned acclaim as a coveted destination for professional and collegiate soccer matches . Welcoming esteemed institutions such as the University of Vermont , Castleton University , and Middlebury College , among others , the stadium has played host to over 30 NCAA men ’ s and women ’ s Division I , Division II , and Division III soccer teams .
Noteworthy among these prestigious visitors are the 2017 and 2018 NCAA Division III Women ’ s Soccer National Champions from Williams College , adding to the stadium ’ s illustrious legacy . Through an ongoing commitment to excellence , Applejack Stadium continues to serve as a beacon of Manchester ’ s community pride , embodying the spirit of sporting camaraderie and shared achievement .
38 manchester life | manchesterlifemagazine . com