NEWBERRY — Newberry County residents have a new place to hold weddings, parties, corporate events and almost any other type of event thanks to the new special events venue Main and Nance.
This business is owned by Mark and Elizabeth Christmus and their daughter, Sarah Christmus Pollard, helps to run it. The building has been owned by the Christmuses for many years.
“When the bar moved out, I became engaged to my now husband, William. We wanted to have the wedding in Newberry and my parents were talking about having events here, because there was a void of places like this. So that was the push we needed to make it happen,” Pollard said.
The family already has plenty of experience working with a special events venue. Mark and Elizabeth also own River Road and Jasmine Houses in Irmo, started 25 years ago.
“I have also been working in this business since I graduated from Clemson seven years ago. I will be doing all the directing and planning,” Pollard said.
Having her wedding at Main and Nance was a dry run that has helped Pollard determine where changes need to be made and to know what will work. An added benefit is that Pollard can tell prospective clients she had her wedding there. In fact, Main and Nance has already had a few bookings.
Main and Nance is open to almost any type of event, from wedding events to election night parties. The price to rent the venue is determined by the event, type of food, hours renting, number of people expected, etc.
For right now, clients can bring in their own food, but the goal is for Main and Nance to eventually provide the food. In the mean time, they have a list of recommended caterers and other vendors (bakers, florists, bands, etc.).
“We will get to a point where we have to approve vendors, but for now we are open to people using vendors they already know,” Pollard said.
The maximum occupancy has not been set but when the venue was a bar, the limit was 75. Pollard believes that with the bar counter being taken out and the addition of the outside space, the occupancy will be around 125.
“I know there are other places nearby, but this building is very unique. Having something different to choose from, we are also very lucky to have the Hampton Inn right next door. People can rent a room and walk over to our location,” Pollard said. “This is just a fun place people can go for their event needs.”