There is a lot to discover around the square in Manheim, and a few local business owners are collaborating to encourage more people to visit the area.

Several people have come together to create Downtown Days at Historic Market Square Manheim. Upcoming events will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18, and Saturday, Dec. 16.

As Loren Cook, founder of LJC Massage Therapy explained, the idea of the event is to highlight small, local businesses. He was joined by Erika Lundgren, founder of Wholethy Tribe and Sunny Vibes Cafe & Wellness; Katie Gibble, founder of Cottage & Vine; and Deneen Ostasewski, founder of The Barking Baron, to do just that.

"Our first one on Oct. 21 started with the four of us and has now grown to include 11 local businesses, all located within a few blocks from Market Square," Cook said.

Visiting the square and surrounding blocks provides opportunities to check out unique destinations for shopping and dining, said Lundgren. "We want people to know that our quaint town of Manheim is a place to come for the afternoon or day to shop, dine and/or enjoy a glass of wine, mead or ale," she remarked. "Our other hope is that other business owners in the area see the growth and want to join the energetic buzz."

Activities for the two upcoming dates will include in-store specials, chair massages, snacks and beverages. In addition to the four founding businesses, participants will include Boutique 1780, Divine Consign, A&M Pizza, Twisted Sisters Ice Cream and Handmade Chocolates, Glasshouse Wineworks, Big Dream Creative Arts Studio and Artifice Ales & Mead.

The square in Manheim has a long history of serving as a focal point for community events, activities and shopping. Designed by Henry William Stiegel in 1741, the square began as an open area in the center of the small town of Manheim, where community members could gather and socialize.

To help promote Downtown Days at Historic Market Square, the organizers have created a punch card program that will begin on Nov. 18 and end on Dec. 16. "All participating businesses will be on the punch card," Cook shared. "The idea is to visit each one to get your card punched and then submit it for giveaways, which are to be announced."