March 1st and 2nd - "Manhattan Irish Fest" 2019   Manhattan, IL is my hometown ...   Located in the heart of Will County, IL, it's a town proud of its long history, its present vibrancy, and its bright future.     It's also VERY proud of its deep Irish roots ... Manhattan residents will proudly tell you that their beautiful town is the home of the "Manhattan Irish Fest", an acclaimed festival and parade that's been running since 1995. The dates for this year's Manhattan Irish Fest are Friday, March 1st and Saturday, March 2nd.     The renowned and well-attended Manhattan Irish Fest Parade will be held on Saturday, March 2nd.    If you plan on attending the parade, it is suggested that you arrive in town a minimum of 15 minutes before parade kick-off.  Roads near the parade route are r... 02/20/2019

  March 2nd & 3rdAnnual "Manhattan Irish Fest" Manhattan, IL is my hometown.  It's located in the heart of Will County, IL.  It's a town proud of its history, its present and future ... and deep Irish roots ... Residents will proudly tell you that Manhattan is the home of the "Manhattan Irish Fest", an acclaimed festival that's been running since 1995. This year's annual Fest is being held on March 2nd and 3rd, 2018.Like previous years, this year's Fest is being held in the parking lot located just north of Manhattan Fire Station 81.The list of activities for the Fest is long and varied.  For young and old alike, there's something to enjoy throughout the Fest. Some of this year's activities are: Manhattan Historical Society Museum Display Music/Entertainment  Friday:  March 2nd5:30     ... 03/02/2018

  Manhattan Park District's - 2017 Haunted Round Barn Farm Festival Do you like hayrack rides?   Hay mazes? Big bonfires at night? Spooky things that can scare you out of your mind?Then head to "Haunted Round Barn Farm Festival" in Manhattan, IL on October 20, 21 & 27, 28, 2017.   Hours for this year's Festival are:  6 pm to 10 pmOther features of this spooky Festival include: Bounce Houses Kids Haunted Area Fall Treats Music Obstacle Course Trunk-or-Treat Haunted Forest Children's Spook Room Rat Rods Car Show (October 20th) More An admission of $5 per person will be charged to attend the Festival.  At Halloween, all roads lead to the Manhattan Park District's "Haunted Round Barn Farm Festival".  A map/directions can be found HERE.Go prepared to enjoy!   Halloween is scary.  Financing y... 10/17/2017

 Don't Miss it: "Manhattan on Tap" Craft Beer Festival 6/17/2017   Over 20 craft beers from local breweries will be available at the 2nd Annual "Manhattan on Tap" Craft Beer Festival being held on Saturday, June 17, 2017, in Manhattan, IL ... Grab your friends and head to Manhattan!  This event is being held "rain or shine" between the hours of 6 pm to 11 pm and will feature live entertainment and foods from area restaurants.  There will be an assortment of domestic beer to enjoy too.  (A list of those craft beers available at this year's Festival can be found HERE.)  General Admission tickets to this Festival are $5.00 (cash only) and are available only on the day of the Festival at the Gate.  Tickets for "tasting" beers are for sale in advance at these local establishments:  (No credi... 06/02/2017

 Manhattan, IL Irish Fest - 2017 March 3rd & 4th I'm always proud to say it ...   Manhattan, IL is my hometown.  Manhattan is located smack in the heart of Will County, IL.  It's a town proud of its history, its present and future ... and deep Irish roots. Year 'round, Manhattan residents will proudly tell you that their town is the home of the "Manhattan Irish Fest", an acclaimed festival that's been running since 1995.  This year's Fest is being held on March 3rd and 4th, 2017. Like the previous year, this year's Fest is being held in the parking lot located just north of Manhattan Fire Station 81. The list of activities taking place in this Fest are long and varied.  There's something planned for you, whether young or old, on each day of the Fest.   Some of this year's activities are... 02/21/2017

 Manhattan, IL is The Perfect Mix of "Memories with Progress"   Whether old or young, watched during its initial run or on a current cable tv channel, almost everyone knows about the show, "Leave it to Beaver".  It's about an idyllic representation of 50's and 60's America as you can get ...  When describing my life as a kid growing up in Manhattan, IL ... this show is be a pretty good facsimile.  I lived the Beaver and Wally life.  The Mundts were the Cleavers.  I was the #3 son in a family of 4 boys.  Mom was a stay-at-home mom.  Dad worked a 9-to-5 job as an accountant.  They were as perfect as June and Ward.Like the Beav, I had few cares.  I ran out the door early in the morning and didn't get back inside until dinner or maybe even bedtime.  School, sports, and friends kept me busy.... 02/02/2017

                       Manhattan Park District Foundation's                          9th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn                       Farm Wine Festival - September 24, 2016      The 9th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Wine Festival is being held once again this year in my hometown of Manhattan, IL on September 24, 2016 ...      The Wine Festival is being held at the historic Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm, located at:      24115 S. US Route 52 in Manhattan, IL.  (Conveniently located near major interstates I-355, I-80, and I-57).      The Hours for the 9th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Wine Festival are:  5 pm to 10 pm.      Tastings end at 8:30 pm.  Sales end at 9:30 pm.      The Festival is open to adults 21 years of age and up.                A Pre-Sale Ticket price of $... 09/08/2016

Schools Back in Session on August 24th, 2016 forManhattan School District 114 Kids              School will soon be back in session for children attending Manhattan School District 114 schools (Manhattan, IL) ... my hometown.        The first day of the 2016-2017 school year is slated for August 24, 2016.  (For a full school year/downloadable calendar, click HERE.)      There are multiple schools located within Manhattan School District 114.  They are: Wilson Creek School    *  Contact:  25440 S. Gougar Rd, Manhattan, IL                         Phone:  815.478.4527                          Website:  Click HERE Anna McDonald School      *  Contact:  200 Second Street, Manhattan, IL                         Phone:  815.478.3310                         Website:  Click HERE Manhattan Junior ... 07/25/2016

Good Things Come in Small Packages: Summer 2016 in Manhattan, IL      It's been said that "good things come in small packages" ... and that saying definitely applies to small communities ...     The Village of Manhattan, IL is a good example of this being true.  First incorporated in 1886, the U. S. census shows Manhattan's current population to be approximately 7100 people.       Don't let this Village's size fool you. This community may be small, but it's mighty.       Manhattan is active and vibrant. You don't have to look beyond a long list of upcoming community events being hosted in the Village this summer to see why I say that.  Consider the activities/events hosted within Manhattan just over the last couple of weeks too.     The Manhattan Park District  just hosted its immensely... 06/08/2016

Manhattan Park District's Annual "Civil War Days"  June 4th & 5th, 2016       Manhattan, Illinois'  historic Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Park is once again the backdrop for Manhattan Civil War Days, this year being held on June 4th and 5th, 2016.       The hours of this year's Manhattan Civil War Days will be:Saturday:  10 am to 4 pmSunday:  9 am to 3 pm      Infantry soldiers, cavalry, artillery along with horses, medical personnel, civilians, and musicians will also be featured in the encampment and re-enactment. Special events are also planned for the kids in attendance.      Manhattan Civil War Days attempts to recreate what would have been a typical campaign during the Civil War. Its portrayal of war and camp life is meant to be as factual and close to true representation as possib... 06/02/2016

"Manhattan Irish Fest" - 2016  March 4th & 5th - Manhattan, IL      Manhattan, IL is the place I'm proud to call home.  Manhattan's located smack in the heart of Will County, IL ... and is a town proud of its deep Irish roots.           Residents will also tell you that Manhattan is the home of the  "Manhattan Irish Fest", a festival that's been running since 1995.  This long-running Fest will be held once again this year on March 4th & 5th, 2016.        Activities for young and old alike are planned for both days of the Fest.        This year's Fest is being held in a new location, the new parking lot located just north of Fire Station 81.             Some of this year's planned activities are:      A dance featuring a DJ, held on Friday, March 4th from 6 to 10 pm at the Park District ... 03/02/2016

8th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Wine Festival, Sept. 26, 2015           The 8th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn Wine Festival is once again being held in my hometown of Manhattan, IL on September 26, 2015 ...       This Wine Festival is being held at the historic Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm, located at 24115 S. US Rt. 52 in Manhattan, IL ... and found conveniently close to major interstates I-355, I-57 and I-80.           The 8th Annual Baker/Koren Round Barn Wine Festival, is being held between the hours of 5 pm to 10 pm, and is open to adults 21 years of age and up.      A Pre-Sale Ticket price of $20 is available to this Festival until Noon on September 25th, 2015.  On the day of the event the ticket price is $25.00.  To purchase your tickets, click HERE.      Entry into the Fes... 09/18/2015

Manhattan School Dist. 114 Students Heading Back to Class for School Year 2015-2016       School will soon be back in session for children attending Manhattan School District 114 schools (Manhattan, IL) ... my hometown.       The first day of the 2015-2016 school year is slated for August 19, 2015.  (For a full school year/downloadable calendar, click HERE.)     There are multiple schools within Manhattan School District 114.  They are:Wilson Creek School     *  Contact:  25440 S. Gougar Rd, Manhattan, IL                          Phone:  815.478.4527                           Website:  Click HERE Anna McDonald School       *  Contact:  200 Second Street, Manhattan, IL                          Phone:  815.478.3310                          Website:  Click HERE Manhattan Junior High     * ... 07/22/2015

 Manhattan Civil War Days -Baker/Koren Round Barn 6/6 & 6/7, 2015      Manhattan, Illinois' historic Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Park is once again the backdrop for Manhattan Civil War Days, this year being held on June 6th and 7th, 2015.       The hours of this year's Manhattan Civil War Days will be:Saturday:  10 am to 4 pmSunday: 9 am to 3 pm     The "Battle of Bentonville", fought March 19 - 21 in 1865 ... is the highlighted battle and focus for this year's reenactment.  The Battle of Bentonville is historically noted as the last major battle between General Johnston of the Confederate Army and General William Tecumseh Sherman.       Infantry soldiers, cavalry, artillery along with horses, medical personnel, civilians, and musicians will also be featured in the encampment and re-ena... 06/02/2015

  2015 "Manhattan Irish Fest"  March 6th & 7th - Manhattan, IL      Manhattan, IL is the place I'm proud to call my home. Anyone familiar with Manhattan, located smack in the heart of Will County, knows that it has deep Irish roots.      They'll also tell you that Manhattan is the home of the  "Manhattan Irish Fest", a festival that's been running since 1995 and being held once again this year on March 6th & 7th.        Activities for young and old are planned for both days of the Fest.  Some are:     An Irish Breakfast will be served at St. Joseph's Parish Centeron Saturday, March 7th, 8 am to 10:30 am.  Advance ticket purchase is required.  Tickets are available at the church rectory by calling:  815.478.3341.     A special Mass is being held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, located a... 02/19/2015

Donations of Prom Dresses Needed - 5th Annual Melissa's Closet & Crystal's Jewelry Box, March 7, 2015          In honor of a former employee, Melissa Michalowski, and her friend Crystal Carr, 2 young girls lost too soon, Whitmore Ace Hardware (multiple locations) is once again collecting new and gently-used prom dresses for their "5th Annual "Melissa's Closet & Crystal's Jewelry Box" event.          Their Mission?  Making sure all teens dreaming of attending their high school prom are not held back from doing so because of the monetary constraints of buying appropriate prom wear.      New or gently-used prom dresses can be dropped-off at any of the following locations:   *    Whitmore Ace Hardware - 210 So. State St.,  Manhattan, IL                                        *    Whitmore A... 01/25/2015

    Manhattan School Dist. 114 Students - School Year 2014-2015      School is back in session at Manhattan School District 114 schools (Manhattan, IL).  (For a full school year/downloadable calendar, click HERE.)      There are multiple schools within Manhattan School District 114.  They are: Wilson Creek School     *  Contact:  25440 S. Gougar Rd, Manhattan, IL                           Phone:  815.478.4527Website:  Click HERE    Anna McDonald School       *  Contact:  200 Second Street, Manhattan, IL                           Phone:  815.478.3310                           Website:  Click HERE  Manhattan Junior High     *  Contact:  15606 W. Smith Road, Manhattan, IL                           Phone:  815.478.6090                           Website:  Click HERE              If you have ... 08/25/2014

  Manhattan Civil War Days to be Held at Baker/Koren Round Barn June 7th & 8th, 2014      Manhattan, Illinois' historic Baker/Koren Round Barn Farm Park is once again the backdrop for Manhattan Civil War Days, this year being held on June 7th and 8th, 2014.       The hours of this year's Manhattan Civil War Days will be 10 am to 4 pm, both days of the event.       The Battle of Spotsylvania, fought in May of 1864 ... and Battle of Petersburg, fought in June of 1864 ... will be the featured focus of this year's re-enactment.  Infantry soldiers, cavalry, artillery along with horses, medical personnel, civilians, and musicians will also be featured in the encampment and re-enactment.       Manhattan Civil War Days attempts to recreate what would have been a typical campaign during the Civi... 05/15/2014

  The Baker-Koren Round Barn Farm Park in Manhattan, IL      In many ways, my wife and I are much alike and in complete sync.  Our backgrounds are very similar.  We have the same number of siblings.  We're both #3 children.  We're from the same small town.  Etc. ... etc. ...           One thing that I learned that was quite different though, was the fact that I knew little about my family tree when growing up.  I had little knowledge of my ancestry other than where both my parents had grown up, they both had come from large families, and that I was mainly of German heritage.  Hard to guess that with a name like Mundt, right?      My wife on the other hand?  She knew in great detail what her blood line was.  Some of her fondest memories are of her father telling stories of his own life a... 04/01/2013

  2013 "Manhattan Irish Fest" to Take Place on March 1st & 2nd in Manhattan, IL      I'm not sure how a guy named "Mundt" was allowed into Manhattan to live.  But  Manhattan, IL  is the place I called home during my childhood years and my mom still lives there today.      Anyone that's familiar with Manhattan, located in the heart of  Will County,  knows that Manhattan has deep Irish roots.  And they're darn proud of it!  They'll also tell you proudly that Manhattan is the home of  " Manhattan Irish Fest"  each year ... a festival which started in 1995 and will be held once again on March 1st and 2nd of this year.      During "Manhattan Irish Fest", everyone that lives or visits Manhattan is Irish.  During this annual event each year, I become Gene O'Mundt!  Churches, civic groups, the ... 02/03/2013