Like for many of you, the year has passed quickly. It was just summer, wasn’t it? Thanksgiving has passed, with Christmas and New Year just around the corner.
I hope there are many things in your life for which you are thankful and that you were able to spend time with loved ones, reminiscing old times and making new memories. Maybe you were able to strike some items off of your Christmas list with the Black Friday and Shop Small Saturday deals.
Hopefully you were able to introduce a visiting family member or friend to one of your favorite local shops or restaurants. If you still need to fulfill some of your gift giving obligations and are not sure where to go, we’ll be happy to help point you in the right direction.
We have a few events on the Chamber calendar before the year is done, so be sure to note the dates before they fly by as well. December Business After Hours will be held on Thursday, Dec. 1 from 5:30 until 7 p.m.
This holiday themed event will be sponsored by and hosted at the Newberry Firehouse Conference Center, 1227 McKibben Street in downtown Newberry. They will be fully decorated for Christmas to help spur us even further into the Christmas spirit.
The Free Medical Clinic of Newberry County also hosts their 12 Year Anniversary the same evening from 5:30 until 8 p.m. at Enoree River Winery, 1650 Dusty Road in Newberry. There will be a silent auction with wine tasting and light hors d’oeuvres as well as a Tacky Christmas Sweater Contest. There are accepting $20 donations for this event.
In conjunction with the City of Newberry’s “North Pole Nights,” we are hosting “Santa’s Workshop” on the Friday evenings of Dec. 2, 9, and 16.
From the hours of 6 until 8 p.m., children can make a craft outside on the portico and hear a story read by Mrs. Claus inside at 6:30 then again at 7. So while you are taking in the magical Christmas wonderland that is downtown Newberry, playing in the snow and seeing Santa in Memorial Park, be sure to stop by and see us, make a craft, and hear a story.
We thank Stokes-Trainor for sponsoring this event.
I will host “Coffee and Commerce” on Dec. 6 at 10 a.m. This is a new series that will take place on the second Tuesdays of even months. I will focus on a couple of particular topics and discuss any Chamber related issues that attendees may wish to cover.
Whether you have been a member of the Chamber for 25 years or are just curious about what we do, please join me. The topic for December is “Chamber 101 and How the Chamber Works for You.”
The annual Christmas Tour of Homes will be held on Saturday, Dec. 10 from 4 until 8 p.m. The tour will include four private homes and the ARP Church of Newberry.
Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Chamber/Visitors Center and Newberry Opera House. Hint: a ticket would be a wonderful gift for those who love Christmas decor.
Newberry County Young Professionals will host a “Tacky Christmas Sweater” gathering on Monday, Dec. 12 beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Dufford House on the campus of Newberry College. If you are between the ages of 21 and 40 living and/or working in Newberry County, please stop by and see what it’s all about.
Along with Newberry College’s Muller Center, the Young Professionals are collecting coats and other outerwear for distribution. Drop-off locations include Keller Hall on the Newberry College campus and the Chamber/Visitors Center. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 9.
The Chamber is located on the first floor of Community Hall in downtown Newberry, 1209 Caldwell Street. We can be reached at 803-276-4274, chamber@newberrycounty.org, and newberrycountychamber.com.