Newberry Irish Fling Update 3-13-20

NEWBERRY - City of Newberry staff are closely monitoring the spread of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, with our local, state and federal health partners and are taking precautions in preparation for a potential impact to the community.

At this time, many mass gathering events are being cancelled and postponed in the interest of safety across the State. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) recommends closing large community events in our state if participants are traveling from communities with COVID-19 outbreaks. The City of Newberry recognizes that today’s Irish Fling event was promoted to areas where the coronavirus has been identified. 

In the interest of avoiding potential risks, the City of Newberry’s staff support of the annual Irish Fling event has been removed and the following activities conducted by the City cancelled:

• All Kids Corner activities including the Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt

• Live music at Community Hall

• ID station

• Roads will remain open.  As a result, alcohol consumption is limited to the interior of establishments authorized to sell alcohol.  Alcohol is not allowed to be taken outside these locations.

Participating bars and restaurants will determine their own operating hours and protocols.

According to SCDHEC the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, SCDHEC recommends the following basic, actions to help you stay healthy:

• Washing your hands

• Covering your cough and sneeze

• Appropriately disposing of tissues and other items that you’ve used to cover your sneeze or cough

• Avoid touching your face

• Avoid close contact – use social distancing, avoid handshakes and close, physical contact

Most importantly, to avoid infecting others, stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 MUSC Health encourages you to do a free virtual visit at https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html. Enter promo code COVID19

The City of Newberry’s number one priority is always the health and safety of its citizens, employees, volunteers and guests.  Should there be any recommendations from local, state or federal health officials, the city will communicate any scheduling changes to events and office closings. 

Newberry Irish Fling Update 3-11-2020

City of Newberry staff are closely monitoring the spread of Coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, with our local, state and federal health partners and are taking precautions in preparation for a potential impact to the community.

At this time, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (SCDHEC) does not recommend closing large community events.  SCDHEC states that events may still need to be modified, canceled, or postponed as COVID-19 outbreaks escalate.

At this time and in accordance with recommendations from DHEC, the City of Newberry’s annual Irish Fling event will continue as scheduled on Friday, March 13 with the following modifications:

• RecMobile games and Newberry Arts Center craft activities have been removed from the schedule of events at the Kids Corner.

• The Leprechaun Scavenger Hunt will continue as planned from 4-8 p.m. Scavenger hunt maps and supplies will be available at an unmanned table in Astwood Park (1315 Main Street). A box to collect completed scavenger hunts will be available.

• The volunteer-staffed ID station at Community Hall will be closed. Event patrons that wish to travel within the event area with alcohol from participating locations will need to receive an over-21 wristband from any participating location. A complete list is available at www.newberryirishfling.com.

• The 4 p.m. until midnight barhop will continue as planned.

• The performance from No Holds Barred Band at Community Hall from 5-8 p.m. will continue as planned.

Two handwashing stations will be available to the public alongside the event’s portable restrooms located at Community Hall (1209 Caldwell Street) and Astwood Park.

According to SCDHEC the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, SCDHEC recommends the following basic, actions to help you stay healthy:

• Washing your hands

• Covering your cough and sneeze

• Appropriately disposing of tissues and other items that you’ve used to cover your sneeze or cough

• Avoid touching your face

• Avoid close contact – use social distancing, avoid handshakes and close, physical contact

Most importantly, to avoid infecting others, stay home when you are sick, except to get medical care. If you experience symptoms of COVID-19 MUSC Health encourages you to do a free virtual visit at https://campaigns.muschealth.org/virtual-care/index.html. Enter promo code COVID19

The City of Newberry’s number one priority is always the health and safety of its citizens, employees, volunteers and guests.  Should there be any recommendations from local, state or federal health officials, the city will communicate any scheduling changes to events and office closings. 

COVID-19 Prevention:

We would love to have you visit downtown Newberry, however please be advised of the following information regarding COVID-19.

Prevention & Treatment from the CDC

Information from SCDHEC

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Newberry Irish Fling Festival Facts:

• The Newberry Irish Fling has been a downtown open house event celebrating downtown's Bars and Restaurants since 2000!

• Where can I park?

  • All downtown public parking lots surrounding the Main Street district will be open and available for free public parking.​

• Is there a fee for admission?

  • This is a FREE and open to the public event! Receive your FREE over 21 wristbands from our ID station between 4 pm and 9 pm  (you must provide your valid ID to receive a wristband).​ Find the ID station at Community Hall (1209 Caldwell Street).

• Who can come to this event?

  • All are welcome and invited! We have family-friendly activities, fun for young adults, and good times for all.​ There's something for everyone at the Newberry Irish Fling.

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