¡Hippo de Mayo Taco Tour Challenge to shut down Elm Street!

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tacos


MANCHESTER, NH – For once it’s not a typical road race – although if you’ve ever been on the move to grab your favorite taco during Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge, you know how competitive it can be. Still, the decision to shut down traffic on Elm Street for six hours during the annual downtown taco tasting will be welcome news to those who love the foodie-fiesta vibe.

On Friday the city’s Economic Development department made the announcement that Elm Street will be closed on May 3 from Merrimack Street to Bridge Street between 3-9 p.m.

Of course, this good news for taco aficionados will be bad news for those who like to drive along Elm Street on their way from here to there. Traffic delays and some congestion will go with the territory.

Alternative routes north and south through the downtown area are quite literally the way to go –  Canal Street, Chestnut Street, Pine Street, and Union Street all run parallel to Elm and will get you where you need to go.

¡The Map! and participating vendors!

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Also worth noting: This year there will be three simultaneous and events:

  • New Hampshire Fisher Cats Party at Fisher Cats Stadium from 9-11pm
  • Dos Equis Party from 4-10 at club ManchVegas Bar & Grill, 50 Old Granite Street Manchester, NH
  • Currier After Hours from 4-9 p.m. Chef Joe’s Coconut Curry taco for $2, a live mariachi band, a specialty cocktail, art tours, and art-making. Festivities will begin at 6 p.m.

Safety is the main consideration, according to Mayor Joyce Craig, given the tens of thousands of people expected to show up for a taco fix.

On Friday Craig issued the following statement:

“Since 2009, the Hippo de Mayo Taco Challenge has been a much anticipated event that draws thousands of people to Manchester’s downtown.  Last year, an estimated 25,000 people visited downtown and the millyard to enjoy $2 tacos unique to each of our participating local restaurants.

Because this is a pedestrian-oriented event, the city is closing Elm Street to traffic from 3-9 pm. This road closure will ensure safety and encourage more people to participate in the event while enjoying all downtown Manchester has to offer.”

About this Author

Carol Robidoux

PublisherManchester Ink Link

Longtime NH journalist and publisher of ManchesterInkLink.com. Loves R&B, German beer, and the Queen City!