Written by Newberg Resident Yasmin Alvarez

NEWBERG, Ore. — During the height of COVID-19, downtown felt quiet and uncertain. That’s when the Newberg Downtown Coalition, a local nonprofit, launched its “Light Up Newberg” project. By installing strings of lights on downtown buildings, the initiative aimed to brighten the atmosphere and highlight the character of Newberg’s historic core.

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The project was designed to draw people downtown while adding beauty and safety. According to the NDC’s website, “In 2020, NDC installed string lights on the exterior facades of the buildings along East First Street. The lights increased the ambiance and safety to showcase historic downtown Newberg.” Volunteers supplied labor and equipment, keeping costs low, but the inexpensive lights only lasted three years.

Early on, the project received $10,000 from the Austin Legacy Trust. Two years later, the Newberg Early Birds Rotary Foundation awarded a $20,000 grant, allowing the NDC to relaunch the project on a larger scale.

“This time around, we had the funds to redo and perfect the project,” said Terry Emery, an NDC board member. 

With the grant, the coalition hired Premium Holiday Light, a professional company, to install higher-quality LED lights expected to last six to seven years. Inspiration for the redesign came from downtown McMinnville, where lights are wrapped directly on building facades instead of trees—an approach Newberg adopted after concerns about tree removal.

The coalition sought approval from every downtown business and building owner, most of whom welcomed the project.

“Lights give the downtown a cohesive look, and it will be especially charming during our darker months when they will be visible all day and night. I’m very thankful,” said Maureen Rogers, owner of Chapters Books and Coffee.

Linda Sandberg, president of the Newberg Early Birds Rotary Foundation, said the project benefits the whole community. 

“The project will make our downtown core area more appealing and vibrant for residents, businesses, and visitors alike, as well as improving visibility and safety,” Sandberg said. “We also feel that it will boost foot traffic and strengthen community connections.”

For Emery and the coalition, the project carries personal meaning. 

“I take pride that the Newberg Downtown Coalition could get it done, and I think it’s huge in our process of beautifying and making downtown more welcoming to everybody,” she said.

Installation is nearly complete, with lights running along the First Street side of buildings from Main to Meridian streets. Not all merchants will have lights immediately, however. 

“There are a couple of buildings that will not have lights at this time due to different factors,” Emery said.

Looking ahead, the coalition hopes to expand the initiative to the side streets once they have more funding. Donations to support the project can be made at newbergdowntown.org/donate

Disclosure: Newsberg Founding Editor Branden Andersen is a board member of the Newberg Downtown Coalition. The story was reported independently.