This year’s leprechaun scavenger hunt will differ from last year in that it will be downtown trivia based. - Courtesy photo
NEWBERRY – Don’t forget to wear your green because it’s time for Irish Fling in downtown Newberry. The event will take place on Friday, March 15.
While the event is always held the Friday prior to St. Patrick’s Day, Mary Alex Kopp, tourism and events manager for the City of Newberry said this year’s event would be different than in year’s past as they have added several new features.
In addition to the evening bar hop portion of the event that people will recall from the past, Kopp said the city has added a family friendly Kids Corner that will take place from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. that Friday afternoon in Astwood Park, 1315 Main Street.
Volunteers from Alpha Xi Delta sorority at Newberry College will be helping run the Kids Corner, Kopp said that will include traditional carnival games, face-painting provided by the Newberry Arts Center as well as the headquarters of the traditional Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt.
The scavenger hunt will differ than in year’s past, Kopp said with the theme being downtown trivia. Seven leprechauns will be hiding at various locations downtown and participants will have to answer a trivia question to find each one’s location and name, Kopp said.
“You’ll write the name of the leprechaun on the trivia sheet that is provided to you and if you bring it back with all seven names, you’ll be entered for one of our three prize packs,” Kopp said.
This year’s prizes include a free week at summer art camp at the Newberry Arts Center and a family four-pack of tickets to see the Rainbow Fish showing at the Newberry Opera House in April.
A sample of what trivia participants can expect for clues Kopp said is, “I am hiding over by Newberry’s only skyscraper and am also the home to the civil defense siren.”
“So, if you know the answer to that question, you’ll be able to find the leprechaun,” Kopp said.
Scavenger hunt forms must be turned back into Astwood Park, no later than 7 p.m. as that is when the Kids Corner will be closing, she said.
Returning this year is Joy Ride LLC, Kopp said who will be providing their mobile downtown Newberry sight-seeing tours at a discounted rate of five dollars per ticket. These tours will take place throughout the duration of the Kids Corner. For more information on the tours or to pre-schedule a time for pick-up, the group can be reached at 877-218-2899. Both pick-up and drop-off locations for tours will take place in Astwood Park.
As in year’s past, Main Street will be closing that day at around 2 p.m. and will reopen late in the evening, Kopp said. Side streets will not be closing, she said apart from those directly connected to Main Street.
Starting at 5:30 p.m. and lasting until 7 p.m., Jack Roper and the Weatherman Band will be performing live on a stage stationed in front of Community Hall downtown. At the music stage is where Kopp said they will house the ID checks for those over the age of 21 to obtain wristbands. Checks will begin at 5 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. for those wanting a wristband, she said.
Along with the ID checks will be the chance for another raffle for those wearing green. Kopp said they will be letting participants sign up from 5-9 p.m. at the booth. The winner will receive two tickets to Balsam Range at the Newberry Opera House on March 31.
Irish Fling Specials
Many downtown restaurants and businesses plan to take part in this year’s event with specialty food and drink items and even a few giveaways. Martin Street Beer Parlor will have live music from 3rd Generation band starting at 8 p.m. with food specials to included pulled pork sandwiches, Shepherd’s Pie and draft beer specials.
Steelhorse Smokehouse will also serve Shepherd’s Pie along with Rueben sandwiches and corned beef and cabbage. Several specialty beers will be included, some even being green.
Cabana Café and Storm Cellar will be serving corned beef and cabbage along with a specialty leprechaun martini. DJ Trav will be providing live entertainment.
A food truck will be stationed outside of Pour Richard’s again this year. They will also be serving green beer along with Irish liquors. DJ Ray Ray will be on site playing Irish music for entertainment, Kopp said.
Bar Figaro and The Aviator will have live music to include the band Sounds Familiar and DJ Gary P, respectively.
At Half Full Coffee and Wine, visitors will find gourmet Irish deviled eggs along with several Irish beers. Lancero Lounge, Kopp said will also have a beer special for guests.
If you’re in the mood for dessert, stop by The Corner Scoop for their special Irish Fling, minty mint milkshake.
Live music from Four Fields, an acoustic group can be found at Genesis Hub during the event, Kopp said along with several drink specials: Shamrock Shaker, Nutty Irishman, Stout Truffle Nitro Infused Coffee and Blond Blueberry Basil Nitro Infused Craft Beverage (non-alcoholic).
Figaro Market will have specials on Craft beer, while Steven W’s Downtown Bistro will also have drink specials along with a raffle for a set of Guinness pint glasses. The No Holds Barred Band will also be located inside of their restaurant.
Located inside of The Gallery downtown, The Silverspoon Tea Room will have goodie bags to include cookies, scones and iced tea.
All businesses that are selling alcohol, Kopp said will be serving to-go options in pre-approved plastic cups. Those planning to walk from place to place inside of the event area with alcohol must be wearing an over-21 wristband.
The event area for Irish Fling includes Main Street from Nance to Holman Streets, Boyce Street from Nance to Lindsay Streets, McKibben from Boyce to Main Streets, Caldwell from Boyce to Main Streets, College from Boyce to Main Streets, Lindsay from Martin to Main Streets and Martin Street from Lindsay to Graham Streets.
A full map of the event space along with a list of specials being offered and other information can all be found at www.newberryirishfling.com.
Elyssa Haven is the Public Relations Coordinator at City of Newberry.