NEWBERRY — On Tuesday, Feb. 20, The Newberry Opera House will commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Opera House re-dedication, following it’s renovations in 1998, with a day long celebration.

At 10:00 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 2:00 p.m., 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. special tours will be conducted. These tours will be complete with goody bags which will have items reflecting various aspects of the history of the Opera House, the actual building itself and the performers who have played there. The first 50 people to take the tour will receive a print of the Opera House.

WKDK will be broadcasting live during the morning hours at the Opera House and will be playing music all day of musicians and groups who have performed at the Opera House.

Beginning at 3:00 p.m. and lasting until 4:45 p.m. there will be four interactive stations in the Lobby of the Opera House. These stations are family friendly, and children are encouraged to take part.

The stations will be: “Opera House Trivia,” “Pin the Gar on the Tower,” “Why Is There a Gar on the Weather Vane Atop the Tower?” writing station and a “Coloring Station” featuring a picture of the tower.

Starting at 5:00 p.m., there will be the program in the theater. This will include the reading of poems written in conjunction with the 20th Anniversary celebration and the original poem from the 1882 dedication. A video will be shown which will give the audience an idea of how far the Opera House has come beginning with the condition of the Opera House prior to the renovation, the renovation process and an overview of the past 20 years. Dr. James Wiseman and former Executive Director Deborah Smith will cut the ceremonial cake and a reception will follow in the Rehearsal Hall in which the Newberry Opera House Guild will be serving cupcakes to those attending.

“The Opera House was built by the citizens and is meant for the citizens. Come home to your Opera House and rediscover the magic and celebrate a milestone for our entire Newberry Community,” said Molly Fortune, executive director of the Opera House.

All events during the 20th anniversary celebration are free, and tickets are not required.

By Andrew Wigger

awigger@newberryobserver.com

Reach Andrew Wigger at 803-276-0625 ext. 1867 or on Twitter @ TheNBOnews.