News & Updates
November 2023 | Issue 3
Community Events
Chamber UnTapped - Holiday Edition November 30th from 5:00 - 7:00 PM
Join Chamber staff, Ambassadors, and members of the community at the Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts Ballroom for a cheerful evening of hors d’oeuvres, holiday music, a 50/50 raffle, a cash bar, and kick off the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend!

Additionally, you'll get the first look at the Lakeside Club's Festival of Trees & Holiday Decor, designed by local enthusiasts! Holiday attire is encouraged. 


This year's event is presented by Oak Grove Funeral Home & Cremation Center and Haglund's Floor Covering, Inc. The event is sponsored by Zupin Crane LLC and West Shore Bank
Manistee County Community Christmas
November 25th - January 1st
It's time to light up Manistee County during the fourth year of Manistee County Community Christmas. The Community Christmas theme is designed to bring our whole county together during the holiday season.


Voting begins November 25th and lasts until January 1st.

This year’s festivities are presented by 4Front Credit Union and sponsored by Boyer Agency, Jermaine Sullivan Realtor, Highstreet Peterson McGregor Insurance, River Financial Planners, and The Vogue Theatre.
Presented by 4Front Credit Union.
Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend
December 1st - 4th
Manistee’s Old Christmas Weekend, presented by West Shore Bank, is filled with charming events, including the Festival of Trees, craft bazaar, 5K race, and the Victorian Sleighbell Parade. The highlights of the parade are draft horses pulling a 30-foot Christmas tree down River Street followed by a beautiful display of luminaries, caroling, and the lighting of the tree.

More info is available at ManisteeSleighbellParade.com!
Presented by West Shore Bank.
US-31 Bridge Update
The US-31 bridge will be opened up for a brief period of time between rehabilitation work. We should expect that the bridge will open with two lanes of traffic from Wednesday, November 29, and close again for needed repairs on Monday, December 4.
Sleighbell Warming Station
December 3rd from 3:00 - 6:00 PM
At 400 River Street, enjoy a warm drink and tasty treat on behalf of West Shore Community College.

Volunteers are needed - to set up, tear down, serve food/drinks, and answer questions. Please click here if you're interested in volunteering!
Presented by West Shore Community College
Ladies Night in Downtown Manistee
December 7th from 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Get together with your friends for an evening of downtown shopping, laughs, and holiday fun!

Visit Downtown Manistee where merchants will have their stores decked out for the season and also feature specials, drawings, and spirits.
Men's Night in Downtown Manistee
December 14th from 5:00 - 8:00 PM
Calling all husbands, fathers, brothers, sons, and gentlemen: join us for an evening of downtown shopping, entertainment, and cheer!

Head to Downtown Manistee where merchants will have their stores decked out for the season and will feature specials, drawings, and spirits.
DDA Public Hearing, Wed. December 13, 8:30am
The Manistee Downtown Development Authority will hold a Public Hearing at 8:30 AM on Wednesday, December 13, 2023, as part of its regular monthly meeting. The meeting will be held at the West Shore Community College Manistee Downtown Education Center, Classroom B (400 River Street, Manistee MI, 49660). 

The purpose of the hearing is to hear an update on the DDA, its strategic TIF plan, and the status of the 2023-24 DDA budget.

There will be public comment for those who wish to comment on any items. 
Downtown Business Connection Meetings
We invite and welcome everyone to participate in the monthly Downtown Business meetings which are held in person on the third Tuesday of the month at 8:30 am.

Location: 400 River Street, Classroom A

They are a casual conversation with your fellow merchants where you can receive updates, discuss new ideas/challenges, or ask questions.
"The Stee" Social District
OPEN EVERY DAY from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM
This is a designated area, opened last year by the DDA and Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce, where patrons ages 21 + can purchase an alcoholic beverage from participating establishments in a logo cup and can carry/consume it outdoors within the parameters of the district.

With the Victorian Sleighbell Parade & Old Christmas Weekend festivities in town, there will be many visitors taking advantage of the social district, instead of waiting to dine in. This a wonderful opportunity for the Downtown merchants to welcome visitors to sip & shop!
PARTICIPATING ESTABLISHMENTS

  • North Channel Brewing Co.
  • Fricano's Manistee River
  • The Ramsdell Inn & TJ's Pub
  • The Historic Vogue Theater
  • Taco 'Bout It Mexican Fusion
  • The Golden Stag
  • The Bluefish Kitchen + Bar
  • Third Life Brewing
PLEASE NOTE: All State of Michigan and City of Manistee laws apply, including but not limited to those prohibiting public intoxication, impaired driving, open containers, and serving alcohol to minors.


SHOP LOCAL
This year, we’re celebrating Small Business Season™! Small Business Season is a global marketing initiative designed to bring awareness to how shopping locally has a large positive impact on our community. Small businesses are your neighbors and friends. They provide over 60% of all new jobs and they are the first people we call upon to support local initiatives, nonprofits, and youth activities.
Ways you can help small businesses this holiday season:
  • Buy, dine, and visit small
  • Write reviews
  • Tell friends about your favorite places
  • Buy local gift certificates! manistee county ca$h is a county-wide certificate program available for purchase online 24/7 and accepted at 30+ locations. Interested in participating? Contact carmen@manisteechamber.com.
  • Share posts about shopping locally and your favorite businesses on social media
  • Check in on social media when shopping, dining, and visiting local
Let’s help our neighbors and start celebrating your Small Business Season commitment today!
City Ordinance Reminders
SNOW AND ICE REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS
The owner or occupant of any occupied or unoccupied business, building, or vacant lot within the Central Business District, as defined in this section, shall keep sidewalks adjacent to his or her property clear of snow and ice and not allow the same to accumulate for more than twenty-four hours.