By Mary Alex Kopp For The Newberry Observer
https://www.newberryobserver.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/web1_Mary-Alex-Kopp-tourism-and-events-coordinator-.jpgBy Mary Alex Kopp For The Newberry Observer

NEWBERRY — Summertime is a magical time of the year, especially if you live in a small town like Newberry. The kids are out of school and outside playing in the sunshine, the days are longer, and rocking chairs are returned to front porches along with trays of iced tea and lemonade for classic southern relaxation.

But don’t let that assuaged leisure time fool you, there’s still plenty of amusement in Newberry all summer long. Here’s a list of our top 10 ideas for things to do this summer, in our county seat:

1. Memorial Day Weekend: Many say that Memorial Day Weekend is the “unofficial start to summer,” and we agree. Start your summer weekends off right with the final “Pack the Porch” event of the season at Enoree River Winery. “Pack the Porch” has been hosted every Sunday in May at the winery, and features different live music each weekend.

On May 29, expect to hear Noel Lindler playing acoustic tunes while you sip on locally made wine and enjoy an afternoon of laughter and fun, and maybe even a little dancing. For more information visit www.enoreeriverwinery.com or call 803-275-2855.

2. Grow Newberry Farmers Market: Now organized by the Newberry County Chamber of Commerce, the Grow Newberry Farmers Market is returning for their annual Summer Market. For 10 Saturdays this summer come to downtown Newberry’s Memorial Park for fresh local produce, plants, seedlings, responsibly raised meats , eggs and dairy, and locally made crafts.

The Farmers Market is not just a place to buy quality local food. It’s also a place to socialize, visit, and learn more about where your food comes from and who’s behind bringing the farm to your table. The Grow Newberry Farmers Market opens June 4 and closes Aug. 6. For details and market hours visit their website www.grownewberry.com or call 803-814-2480.

3. Newberry Arts Center Art Camps and Classes: Whether you’re looking to be more creative this summer, or just looking for somewhere to send the kids, the Newberry Arts Center has you covered. Camps for Kids, Teens, and Classes for adults are being offered weekly during the summer months at their downtown locations. Kids Camp will teach young artists about pottery making, painting, paper making, printmaking, sculpture and more.

Teen camps include 3 different intensive camps for drawing, pottery, and oil painting. For adults a variety of workshops and summer courses are offered, including printmaking, watercolor, and pottery. Just looking for a one day fling with art? Try our Painting Parties. Visit www.newberryartscenter.com for more information or call 803-321-1015 for details and registration information.

4. Community Players Summer Musical: This June see the local Newberry Community Players perform the Rodgers and Hammerstein classic State Fair for their annual musical. Set in the late summer of 1946 at the Iowa State Fair, the show follows the story of the Frake family, a down-home farming family.

Watch the family as they enter fair contests and find themselves caught up in the excitement and romance of the big event. Show times are 8 p.m. June 17 and June 18. A matinee performance will be on June 18 at 3 p.m. For tickets contact the Newberry Opera House box office at 803-276-6264 or visit www.newberryoperahouse.com.

5. Summer Concerts in the Park: On Fridays in July expect to hear toe tappin’ tunes in Memorial Park. The Newberry Opera House is organizing their annual Summer Concert Series for every Friday in July at 6:30 p.m. Bring your lawn chair and blanket for an evening outside listening to music as the sun sets. For details contact the Opera House at 803-276-6264 or visit www.newberryoperahouse.com.

6. Build your own picnic: Summertime picnics are a common activity for families, dates, or friends. Consider this to shake up your picnic basket: fill it up downtown. Stop by one of our many downtown restaurants like The Grille, Cabana, or Flying Pie to pick up a to-go sandwich, salad, or whatever you like, then take a quick trip to Figaro Market for specialty soda or juice. Take your goodies to Memorial Park to spread your blanket for a lovely picnic. Then stop by Gina Marie’s cafe for ice cream, milkshakes, or a float to round out your meal with a cool and refreshing dessert.

7. Weekend Movies at the Opera House: July can be a hot month here in Newberry. Escape from the heat to the air conditioned Newberry Opera House for a movie night with friends or a date.

To start your July 4th weekend see Top Gun on July 2, E.T. on July 9, Gravity on July 16, When Harry Met Sally on July 23, and The Princess Bride and the Martian on July 30. All movies are $5 each, except for the July 9 movie which is free. The Opera House’s regular concessions will also be available. For movie times and details contact the Newberry Opera House at 803-276-6264.

8. Harper Street Bike Parade: This Fourth of July you don’t want to miss the most iconic, small-town-Newberry event of the summer — The Harper Street Bike Parade. On the morning of the Fourth celebrate with the residents of the Harper Street neighborhood by parading down the street on decorated bikes, tricycles, golf carts, or anything donned with red, white, and blue.

What originally started as a fun neighborhood get-together has grown into an event that regularly attracts media attention and brings in “honorary” neighborhood members from around town. Just know if you go, there’s a watery surprise at the end of the route from the Newberry Fire Department.

9. Fourth of July Fireworks: The annual Fourth of July Fireworks event by the Newberry County Sheriff’s office will be scaled back a bit this year due to renovations at the Newberry High School football field, but they still promise an awe-inspiring fireworks display. The event will still take place at Newberry High School, where patrons can view the fireworks from the school’s parking lot, and Bulldog Drive around 9 p.m. on July 4.

10. Moonlight Movie Night: Aug. 13 is the last Saturday of the summer before school starts back. To celebrate summer’s end be sure to mark your calendar to attend Moonlight Movie Night in Memorial Park in downtown Newberry. This free movie event is open to all ages and begins at sundown. Bring your lawn chairs and blanket to relax while you watch Disney’s Zootopia with family and friends.

Those are just 10 things you can do in the City of Newberry this summer, but that’s not all there is. Visit www.cityofnewberry.com/events for other events happening in and around town throughout the year.

Mary Alex Kopp is the tourism and events coordinator for the City of Newberry.