The familiar East Ellsworth bar Snowball's has turned its lights on again after being closed for more than a year.
The bar, which has been in business on Wall Street for 60 years, has a new start with new owners Tony Peterson and Sina Hill.
"Different faces, but still Snowballs," Hill said.
The two previously worked at The Hub on Main before it closed, and wanted to continue in the bar business in which they both have a lot of experience. Hill started bartending when she was in college.
"I have kind of always done that as a part of my job," she said.
Peterson started bartending when he was 19, and worked in management for years before taking a break, and coming back to the business with The Hub on Main. A friend suggested the two look into purchasing Snowballs, and they were excited about the opportunity.
"It's beautiful," Hill said of the bar's atmosphere indoors and its outside space.
The response to the reopening has already been good.
"It's been very well received," Hill said.
Along with the name, which comes from the name of the original owners, Hill and Peterson plan to keep much of what made Snowballs popular.
"It just goes to show that this bar has a good reputation, and we plan to keep it that way," Hill said.
Peterson and Hill do plan to expand on the events offered at the bar, which has plenty of space for it. Offerings will include a variety of regular events like live music, bingo, pool leagues, Bloody Mary bar, meat raffles, Packer games, karaoke and more. The bar will also host special events like a Halloween party, and be available for private parties and wedding receptions.
"We want to cater to all ages," Peterson said, from nightlife visitors to bingo players.
Anyone stopping by for events, or any day, will be able to order food from Snowballs' neighbor Broz Bar, as part of a partnership with the restaurant.
The people are the best part of the business for Peterson and Hill. They enjoy seeing different people and hearing the different towns they are from.
The two are grateful for the regular following from Snowballs and from their previous work, and are looking forward to drawing even more people in.
"There are a lot of people who didn't travel up Main Street," Hill said.
Now, they have a reason to make the trip.
A grand opening for Snowball's will be held Saturday, Nov. 3 starting with door prizes and a Bloody Mary bar at 10 a.m.
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