AROUND TOWN

Around Town

August 19, 2026

Lister named Spartanburg District Five Director of Maintenance
Spartanburg School District Five has named longtime district employee Travis Lister as its new director of maintenance.
Lister has spent his entire 31-year career with District Five and has served as head of grounds since 2006. A Byrnes High School graduate, he joined the district’s grounds crew after earning an associate degree in horticulture from Spartanburg Community College.
“This district is family to me,” Lister said. “I grew up here, my wife grew up here, and our kids have grown up here. I want to build that same family model in the maintenance department.”
During his tenure, Lister has received the district’s Support Employee of the Year award twice. As head of grounds, he led a team responsible for maintaining District Five’s campuses and facilities, helping ensure they remain safe, welcoming and well-kept for students, staff, families and the community.
Lister also has helped manage the district’s facilities needs during a period of significant growth, anticipating both current and future maintenance requirements.
As director of maintenance, Lister will oversee the department and continue working to support the district’s schools and facilities.

OneSpartanburg to host downtown Spartanburg discussion
Residents and business leaders are invited to learn more about the future of downtown Spartanburg during the next Caffeinated Conversations hosted by OneSpartanburg Inc.
The program will feature Downtown Manager Jamie Smith, who will discuss his role, provide updates on downtown development projects, and share ways residents and visitors can make the most of their time in the city's central business district.
The event is scheduled for 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at OneSpartanburg Inc. Registration is available online through OneSpartanburg.

Craft Supply Swap and Shop coming to Chesnee
Local crafters and secondhand shoppers will have an opportunity to connect, exchange supplies and discover new-to-them materials during a Craft Supply Swap and Shop event Saturday, Aug. 22, at The Kindred Shed in Chesnee.
The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the boutique, located at 1683 S.C. Highway 11 W. Attendees can browse a variety of craft supplies, scraps and unfinished projects while meeting other local creatives.
The Kindred Shed also is offering space for local crafters who would like to set up their own secondhand tables during the event. Those interested in participating should contact The Kindred Shed for additional information.

Michael Jackson tribute show coming to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
Fans of the King of Pop can relive the music and dance of Michael Jackson when INVINCIBLE: A Glorious Tribute to Michael Jackson comes to Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium on Aug. 21.
The touring production celebrates Jackson's career with performances of his biggest hits, signature choreography and iconic stage style. The show features routines created by Lavelle Smith Jr., a longtime choreographer and collaborator of Jackson, and recreates many of the entertainer's most recognizable dance moves and performances.
The concert is designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Tickets are available through the Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium box office and its website.

Hampton Heights Porchfest returns for third year
The Hampton Heights Historic Neighborhood will host its third annual Porchfest on Sunday, Sept. 27, bringing live music, food and a neighborhood block-party atmosphere to one of downtown Spartanburg’s oldest historic neighborhoods.
The free community event will feature 12 local bands performing across six historic porches along West Hampton Avenue. Attendees can stroll through the neighborhood, enjoy live music and take in the historic homes that make Hampton Heights a distinctive part of Spartanburg.
Food trucks will also be on hand, adding to the festival atmosphere and giving residents and visitors an opportunity to spend the afternoon enjoying music, food and community.Porchfest is designed to showcase local musicians while celebrating the history and character of the Hampton Heights neighborhood.

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