September 2025 City of Newberry update

I only recently learned that the creation of mustard-based barbecue sauce, which I was raised on, is credited to the Germans who settled in Newberry and Lexington Counties. The German settlers of the Dutch Fork (originally “Deutsch” but Dutch was easier to say) also brought to the region the Lutheran Church, which later led to the founding of Newberry College, a taste for sausage and other delicacies and an appreciation of gathering family and friends.

Newberry will celebrate the region’s German heritage, fall and fun at the 24^th annual Oktoberfest Saturday, October 4 from 10 am—6 pm. PRT director Collin Shealy says this year’s event will feature a record number of food vendors and artisan and community vendors, plus there will be multiple Biergartens. The Oktoberfest Stage, sponsored by Newberry College, and the Kinderfest Zone, sponsored by Newberry Health, will provide much fun. There will be a special Oktoberfest Kickoff Friday, October 3 with German beer and bites from 5—8 pm.

As you make your way through Oktoberfest, we encourage you to step inside to the downtown businesses, which will be glad to see you and will appreciate your support. New business Main Street Magic will debut at Oktoberfest, located near Genesis Hub. Owners Scott and Janet Robinson, who previously owned a popular magic shop in Indian Land, SC, will be stocked with magic books, tools, plus they plan to host magic shows and offer workshops.

Other exciting news in Newberry includes three new restaurants opening in recent months.  Downtown on McKibben, Shonda Caldwell, owner of popular caterer Blessed by the Best, now has a popular storefront.  Check their social media for hours each week.  Shonda’s son, Jamaree, is off to an excellent start in the NFL for the Los Angeles Chargers.

On Wilson Road, long-time Ronnie’s staff member Deezie Strubeck is owner of the already popular MiMi’s Place, featuring country cooking. MiMi’s grand opening will be Oct. 9.  In the Dunkin Donuts shopping center, young entrepreneur Jose Alvarez opened La Michoacana Ice cream and Tacos Don Mane, featuring tacos made famous at his food truck and adding a tasty ice cream from Mexico.  (I have tried all of these restaurants on your behalf and recommend all three).

Express Oil Change, in front of Lowe’s, has made much progress and plans to open by year-end.  

Newberry College continues to shine bright and has record enrollment.  Giving a welcome at opening convocation at Wiles Chapel last month, I encouraged the students to explore off-campus and to feel at home in Newberry.  I recommend the Wolves home football games, which are drawing good crowds with much spirit, from Coach Todd Knight’s football team to David Santiago’s Scarlet Spirit Marching Band—one of the largest college bands in the state-- plus dance teams, flashing lights and more.  The next home game is after Oktoberfest at 7 pm.

Coach Cedric Jeter’s Newberry Bulldogs are 5-0 and putting up big scores every Friday night.  Longtime Bulldog fans say this is potentially one of Newberry’s best teams in many years. Homecoming is October 3.

The Newberry Art Center on Main Street should be complete by year-end. And the Newberry Opera House season is off to a strong start, attracting many new first-time ticket buyers. 

Events coming up include the Veterans Day Parade on November 1 at 10 am.  Contact Newberry County Veteran Affairs or the American Legion to be in the parade.  And there will be a local celebration of the 250^th birthday of the US Marine Corps with multiple events in early November, including a public celebration Nov. 9 downtown. Email rosemariefavors@gmail.com for more information.

Thank you for supporting Newberry businesses and events.  I hope you have a very enjoyable fall.