Newberry Embraces Exciting Developments: Opera House Reopens, New Residence Hall, and Upcoming Festivals

Exciting Times in Newberry!

Hey there, Newberry! It’s that time again for a little update from our wonderful city. We have a lot of exciting things happening and, as your friendly mayor, I’ve decided to put numbers into every paragraph just to make it a bit more interesting. Let’s dive in!

Opera House Shines Again

First off, let’s talk about the Newberry Opera House, which reopened on a lovely Friday after getting a much-needed interior refresh throughout the summer. Can you believe it? It’s been serving our community since 1881, making it over 140 years old! The renovations included beautiful new wood doors at the entrance, a fresh color palette, and 100+ new comfortable seats in the theater.

Special shoutout to Anne Smith, the executive director, and all the amazing folks on the Opera House Foundation Board, who worked hard on this project. Senator Ronnie Cromer and Representative Joe White also deserve our gratitude for their support. This season promises to be fantastic with an incredible lineup of over 100 shows scheduled!

New Residence Hall on Campus

Next week, Newberry College is set to open its new residence hall, located right where the old tennis courts used to be. This beautiful building will house 104 students, contributing to our vibrant college community. Speaking of exciting numbers, this year, Newberry College welcomed students from 39 states and 28 countries—how amazing is that?

Business Buzz in Newberry

In the business world, we’re eagerly anticipating the opening of Mavis Tire by the end of this month, and guess what? They have eight service bays ready to keep our cars running smoothly. Additionally, the old Papa John’s building is undergoing renovations to become a Tropical Smoothie Café. I stopped by a Tropical Smoothie in Columbia recently and had a delicious chicken chipotle club sandwich for just $7.99.

You might have heard whispers about some national chains considering Newberry. Those rumors are indeed true, although the keyword is “looking.” Remember, supporting our local businesses not only keeps our economy vibrant but also attracts new opportunities!

Updates on Downtown Developments

Downtown, we are gearing up for the renovation of the old Newberry Observer building on Main Street, set to transform into the Newberry Art Center this October. It’s thrilling to witness so many locals and visitors enjoying our fantastic shops and restaurants. One traveler from Charleston shared that Bar Figaro is his top pick for a bar in South Carolina because of its historic charm and great atmosphere!

Community Engagement and Fire Safety

Now for some community news! The Gully Washer Splash Park wrapped up its summer season with a total of 9,725 visitors—that’s a lot of happy splashing! Additionally, our Newberry Parks, Recreation, and Tourism department has lined up an exciting array of activities for folks of all ages this fall.

The Newberry Fire Department is also working hard on fire prevention, advocating their motto: “Smoke Alarms: Make them work for you!” During a recent Meals on Wheels delivery, I met a senior who needed help with her smoke alarm. Luckily, Chief Gene Shealy confirmed that assistance is just a call away at 321-1030 for anyone in need!

Festivities Ahead

Mark your calendars because we have not one, not two, but three upcoming festivals with an international theme! From September 27-29, we’re rolling out the welcome mat for a delegation from Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, Canada. This is part of a special documentary by SCETV called “Towns in Tune.”

On September 23, from 6 PM – 9 PM, join Newberry College for a celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month on The Quad. There will be a mariachi band, salsa dancers, food trucks, and a whole lot of fun!

Last but not least, our beloved Oktoberfest will take place on October 5 from 10 AM to 6 PM, featuring music, vendors, food, and fun for everyone!

Fun Fact About Our County

Before we close, here’s a little trivia for you. Former Representative Walt McLeod revealed that out of the 46 counties in South Carolina, Orangeburg County borders the most other counties—eight! Newberry County isn’t far behind, touching seven counties. Can you name them?

As we transition into fall, it’s the perfect time to enjoy our beautiful city. Thank you for supporting our local businesses; your efforts make all the difference in creating a thriving Newberry community!