'5 Things You Need to Know About...' Peach Fests, Popsicles, and Irene

1. The Manchester Fire Department 8th Utilities District is proud to announce their 62nd Annual Peach Festival on Friday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the department's parking lot at the corner of Main and Hilliard streets. A $4 admission ticket gets you a bowl of mouth-watering peach shortcake, admission to the event, and the chance to win one of a number of door prizes. 

2. Happy National Cherry Popsicle Day! August “holidays” are certainly not lacking in the dessert department – Raspberry Cream Pie Day, Ice Cream Sandwich Day, Watermelon Day, Root Beer Float Day, Banana Split Day, Peach Pie Day and more all happening this month – but a day devoted to popsicles seems the most refreshing choice for a hot August afternoon.

Making popsicles at home can be fun and a great way to get young ones into the kitchen. Check out the following popsicle recipes!

3. Jello Popsicles.

Ingredients: One 3-ounce package gelatin, one packet unsweetened drink mix, one cup sugar, one cup boiling water, diced fruit (optional).

Directions: Mix ingredients until dissolved. Add two quarts boiling water, use slightly less if adding diced fruit. Pour into molds or paper cups, add sticks and freeze.

Pudding Popsicles.

Ingredients: One small pudding package, two cups milk, small candy (like gummy bears, chocolate chips or sprinkles, optional).

Directions: Mix pudding powder and milk. Add candy if desired. Pour mixture into molds, add sticks and freeze. You can pre-mix the ingredients or layer them into the molds.

4. Popsicle molds don’t cost much, and can be found almost anywhere, including Target, Walmart or any kitchen supply store. If a store sells ice cube trays (which are also great for making tiny popsicles), you will likely find molds as well. You can even use empty yogurt containers. A lot of those same stores will have the wooden Popsicle sticks, but if they don’t, try your nearest craft store. 

For a healthy twist, make your popsicles out of juice or herbal tea. You can also add blended bananas or strawberries. You can even use a food processor to blend ingredients like kiwi and just about anything else. Try this site for frozen banana mango with cardamom popsicles, frozen raspberry cappuccino popsicles, watermelon mint bars and more. No matter which concoction you come up with, have a happy Cherry Popsicle Day!

5. And batten down the hatches, 'cause a storm's a comin'. But you probably already know that, as news about the impending arrival of has been non-stop lately, prompting the governor to declare . Stick with Patch throughout the weekend for the local run down on the storm and all the latest news you need to know to get through it safe and sound.