“A Taste of Downtown Manchester” will celebrate its ninth anniversary from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 12.

This year, as in previous years, more than two dozen downtown restaurants will pair with area merchants in hope of reminding everyone that Manchester is a dining destination.

“Basically we send an invite to the downtown business and those who want to participate do, and we try to take suggestions regarding the pairings (of the merchant with the restaurant), but oftentimes, the pairing is based on our opinion of what we’d deem a good pairing,” said Sara Beaudry, director of marketing and events for InTown Manchester.

“For example, Firefly American Bistro and E Vision Eyecare are both very interactive with their customers, and there’s just a great synergy between the two that they make a great pair,” Beaudry said.

While some areas in our state, like Portsmouth, have a thriving, walking downtown, Beaudry said she has seen an increase in tickets sales for this year’s event, which downtown Manchester merchants take as a sign that Elm Street and the area side streets are becoming a more viable walking areas themselves.

“There’s a lot of things going on that are encouraging people to come downtown, so I see a lot of foot traffic,” said Beaudry. “I do think that downtown Manchester has become a walkable downtown. “

On the night of the event, as patrons stroll from merchant to merchant, area restaurants will be on hand to provide a taste of what they have to offer. The merchants, said Beaudry, provide the extras – the tables, the napkins, the plates, etc.

“I think this event is a great opportunity to showcase and highlight downtown Manchester restaurants and merchants, and now I think we’re seeing some great downtown establishments, such as Cedar and Oak and Statement, so there is a lot going on, and it’s also a great opportunity to show people what a lovely place downtown is to be.”

The route itself – diagramed on each ticket – runs Elm Street to South Elm Street and includes Hanover Street.

“I think it’s also a great chance for patrons to see some new faces such as Planet Marshmallow and Finesse Pastries, but then, you’ve got staples such as Firefly, Millie’s and Fratiello’s – they’ve been here for a while,” Beaudry said.

Beaudry also emphasized Intown’s new sponsor for this year’s event, AARP.

“It’s been a really great sponsorship as they are so active in the community,” she said. “They our neighbors practically – they are at 900 Elm St. – and they’ll be part of a gathering we’ll do at 1000 Elm St., so folks are encouraged to stop by and chat with them if they’d like.”

Tickets are $20 in advance at Intown Manchester, 1000 Elm St., inside Brady Sullivan Plaza; $25 the day of the event, cash or check only. For more information, call 645-6285.