Belton Museum Kicks Off Busy Summer with New Exhibit Opening Sunday
Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer
The Belton Area Museum Association opens its summer exhibit this Sunday at the historic Belton train depot, and the subject is exactly what it sounds like — and considerably more than that.
“Games People Play,” which runs through August 22, assembles a collection of antique and vintage board games, arcade and electronic games, collectible cards, and the kind of memorabilia that tends to stop adults mid-stride and hold them there longer than they planned. The opening reception, Sunday from 3-5 p.m., is free and family-friendly, with old-fashioned games to try, card and board game instruction from representatives of Empire Games, and culinary creations on the playful side.
The exhibit will remain open Wednesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-noon; admission is always free.
The summer calendar that unfolds around the exhibit suggests a community that takes its leisure seriously. The 69th Palmetto Championships — a USTA Level 5 closed tournament organized by the Belton Tennis Association and drawing junior players from across South Carolina — runs May-23-25, with final rounds in Belton.
Two morning camps for children ages seven to twelve arrive in June: “Creating a Winner!” (June 9–11) introduces the fundamentals of game design through STEAM principles; “Competition Strategies” (June 16–18) turns to gameplay tactics and critical thinking. Both run 10 a.m.-noon, with a cost of $45 for BAMA members and $55 for non-members and have limited space — registration at 864-338-7400.
On June 27, the City of Belton's patriotic celebration at Leda Poore Park brings water games, live music, food trucks, and fireworks.
July 10 and 11 belong to the SPUD Tournament, which unites special athletes and unified doubles partners from across the Southeast in what has become one of the summer's more quietly moving traditions. On July 23, from 6-9 p.m., a “Learn to Play Mahjong” evening offers beginners patient instruction from experienced players; the $45 registration benefits the Belton Interfaith Ministries Association, with sign-ups due by July 16. The season closes August 19 with “Dots, Doubles, and Dominoes,” a free afternoon of games for teens and adults hosted by the Belton Library, 2-4 p.m.
