Kinetic Rolls Out the Red Carpet in Lexington, SC
By Whitney Seely, Associate Director of Marketing
On opening night of the biggest box-office release in modern history, Kinetic called on Spider-Man to swing into Lexington, SC, to help celebrate surpassing a major milestone.
Before the movie hit theaters everywhere else, it was already playing at the Regal Northlake Village, where Kinetic had rented out two full screens for a free local community premiere. Families showed up in costume, and popcorn and drinks were on Kinetic. A few came dressed for their own red-carpet moment, formal wear and all, ready for photos before the lights went down.
It was just one event of many in a weeklong celebration of 2,800+ new Kinetic fiber locations added across town, bringing the total to 15,000 homes with access to high-speed fiber internet, a 23% jump in coverage this year alone.
We wanted to celebrate in person by giving back to a community that many of us also call home. So, from July 27 through August 1, our team rolled up their sleeves and got to work delivering a full schedule of fun, food, and community connection.
Tuesday: Treats and a warm welcome
The week kicked off outside Cribb's Sandwich and Sweet Shop, where the team offered treats on Kinetic to every patron who walked through the door.
The more we get out into the communities we serve and get to know the people who rely on our fiber to power their daily lives, the more we can ensure they get the internet experience they deserve.
Wednesday: Giving back where it counts
As part of an ongoing series of free education events for communities across the nation, the Lexington Senior Center was packed for a Kinetic Digital Literacy Program on smartphones, computers, and the difference between copper and fiber. We answered so many thoughtful questions, and this was one of the most engaged groups we’ve ever had.
From there, the team drove straight to Mission Lexington, a nonprofit that has fed and clothed the community for almost 50 years and serves roughly 25,000 meals annually. Volunteers spent the afternoon bagging thrift store orders, restocking the food pantry, and assembling backpack-friendly snack packs that kids could prepare themselves after school.
One team member worked alongside a longtime volunteer and a local high schooler. Both had put in many more hours than they initially planned and kept showing up because of the difference the organization is making.
Mission staff member Ron Williams stated the organization's purpose clearly: It exists for the crisis moments that can unexpectedly sweep any of us off our feet. Mission Lexington helps people get back up and empowers them with the tools and knowledge they need to stay standing.
Thursday: The main event
Thursday was a night of magic with two packed theaters, a red carpet, a 360-degree camera booth, and our very own local superhero greeting guests at the door. Couples came for date night, families came for movie night, and the theater stayed buzzing with excitement all the way through the credits.
Friday: First pitch and a little live music
On Friday, the celebration split in two directions. Part of the team headed to a Lexington Blowfish baseball game, where one of our own team members, Ruben Almager, threw out the first pitch. One lucky fan went home with a free Blowie the Blowfish bobblehead from Kinetic.
The rest of the team set up a tent at the Icehouse Amphitheater for a concert headlined by Parmalee, with Lexington's own Rut Spence opening. Between sets, the team got to meet attendees and talk about Kinetic fiber and Wi-Fi.
Saturday: Backpacks and a few new friends
We wrapped up the week at the Market at Icehouse, where Kinetic gave away backpacks loaded with school supplies and a little Kinetic swag. A former city council member even stopped by and snapped a few photos for Facebook to help spread the word. Any backpacks that were left at the end of the day went straight to a local school to be given to students and families who needed them most.
Rolling out the red carpet for Lexington meant something different to everyone this week: a sandwich, a class, a snack pack, a movie ticket, a bobblehead, a backpack. But it all added up to the same message: As Kinetic keeps investing in fiber across Lexington, we're just as invested in showing up for the people who call it home.