Mantua hosted its annual winter festival in Chestnut Branch Park on Nov. 30, drawing hundreds of people from the township and beyond to welcome the holiday season.
The park’s trees were decorated with a variety of lights that brightened the night sky. Santa Claus was on hand to greet kids and adults and spread holiday cheer. Carnival rides such as a swing were provided along with live music and food trucks from local businesses.
The free event was capped off with a fireworks display that ended the night with a literal bang. The township’s new disc golf course, Tornado Crossing, was also open to the public during the event and guests had access to a photo booth.
“The winter festival … was a tremendous success,” said Mayor Robert Zimmerman. “Obviously Santa was a huge hit along with the many rides, food trucks, the live band and fireworks that capped off the night.”
Zimmerman was joined by other members of the township committee to greet residents and take in the sights. Other notables included Miss Avalon, Emily Cooney, a Mantua native; state trooper Lt. Phil Donahue, also from Mantua; and his horse Phantom.
“Hundreds of people gathered at the park and interacted with friends and family,” Zimmerman noted. “The entire township committee and I were on hand, along with our Township Administrator Jennica Bileci, Police Chief Darren White and Fire Chief Brian Hauss and many other local officials.”
The winter festival was organized by the Mantua recreation committee, who also set up the lights in the park.
“We’d like to thank our recreation committee, park staff and all those who helped to organize this wonderful event,” Zimmerman observed. “It wouldn’t have been made possible without all their hard work and hours of volunteerism.
“This event unites our community during the holiday season and brings everyone together at our awesome park,” he added. “This is just another reason Mantua Township is such a great place to live and raise our families.”
