Carnival: Great Fun, and Great for Hornets Athletics

To the Editor:

The Manchester Essex Athletic Boosters is bringing back a fun tradition this year — the 2026 Manchester Harvestfest & Carnival, Oct. 16-18, at Masconomo Park in Manchester.

This event has become a wonderful fall tradition, but at its heart, it is a fundraiser.  The money raised over the weekend directly supports our student-athletes and the athletic programs that mean so much to them and their families.  

It’s also a chance for a lot of old-fashioned community fun.  This year’s carnival will feature carnival rides, live music from local bands, cider donuts from Vine Street Donuts and a “coffee passport” experience courtesy of The Laughing Gull.  We are especially excited to see our student-athletes involved this year, volunteering throughout the weekend and helping make the event their own.

None of this would be possible without the local businesses and organizations that step up to support us.  We are incredibly grateful to Gardner Mattress, our Bandstand sponsor; our Champion sponsors, Demeo & Associates, Poppy Legal and Logue Insurance; and our MVP sponsors, The Laughing Gull, Crocker’s Boat Yard, Cape Ann Savings Bank, EnVital Longevity, DJ Lex, Harbor Point, Grand Banks, Kelly Auto, Cape Ann Savings Bank and Madam Hadam.  We also thank our All-Star sponsors, Nevex, That’s The Point Needlepoint, Covalentis and Mahri.

These sponsors aren’t simply putting their names on an event.  Their support helps make Harvestfest possible and, in turn, helps the Boosters continue supporting Manchester Essex student-athletes.

Most of all, we hope everyone will come down to Masconomo Park Oct. 16-18, enjoy the carnival, hear some great local music, have a cider donut or a cup of coffee, and spend some time with friends and neighbors.  Every ride, every visit and every bit of support helps make a difference for our athletes.

Amy Lage
President, Manchester Essex Athletic Boosters