Happy’s now MacBilliard's

Charity pool tournament today

You may have seen a new sign outside of Happy's on Cotanche Street, but that doesn't mean the pool hall has switched business hands. Owner Jeff Beamon just changed the name.

Allen Russ, a member of Harmony Church who is currently coordinating a July charity pool tournament, said Beamon changed the bar's name to MacBilliards to honor his father, Mac. And yes, it's MacBilliards with a capital “B” — the sign maker made a typo. Jeff and Mac have owned the venue since 1985.

The new name brings new opportunity, however, to start a new mission. On July 30, MacBilliards will host an eight-ball charity tournament to benefit Harmony Church and “serve.Greenville,” a new volunteer-based initiative dedicated to helping the city. The “Christmas in July” tournament will be held for eight hours — beginning at 7 p.m. — and is free to enter. The bar will be festive in Christmas decor and Russ will play Santa.

“We hope to have a blast and raise money for a good cause,” Russ said.

Prizes will be donated from local businesses and money will be raised through a reverse raffle. Tickets are $10 and available at MacBilliards and J&E Harley Davidson, or by placing an order through www.serveGreenville.com. Each ticket holder will win a prize valued from $20-$250 from local businesses such as Speedy Oil, Jefferon's, Unk's, Basil's, Tipsy Teapot, Rucker John's, City Hotel & Bistro, Ham's and Garry's Skin Grafix. The one “black hole in the stocking” ticket holder will receive a coupon booklet, while the last ticket drawn will be worth $250 at J&E Harley Davidson.

“We're using this as a kickoff to weekly tournaments we're going to have every Wednesday night,” Russ said.

Weekly tournaments for a $10 entry fee will begin the following week. Eighty percent of proceeds will go to the tournament winner while the rest will go to Harmony and “serve.Greenville,” which is currently trying to organize help for the Third Street School and the Intergenerational Center in West Greenville.

“We believe in showing love by showing love,” Russ said. “By being there; getting dirt under our fingernails.”

MacBilliards is at 517 Cotanche St., next to 519. Call 752-6728. Visit www.servegreenville.com.

First Street parties at Rehab

First Street Place apartments, located just before the Greene Street Bridge, is hosting weekly parties at dowtown's Rehab Lounge this summer. The events are to be held from 9-11 p.m. Thursdays.

Contact Kristin Day at kday@coxncnc.com or (252) 329-9579.