The Wicomico Civic Center hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony for its over $10 million renovation on Monday, Aug. 3.

The event was co-hosted by the Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce.

The long-awaited renovation includes an expanded box office and lobby, safety barriers along the north and west sides of the venue, improved wayfinding, improved ADA access, and an expanded food court.

“These renovations ensure that this facility will continue serving the residents and visitors for many years to come,” said Wicomico County Executive Julie Giordano. “They enhance the experience for everyone who walks through these doors, strengthen our ability to attract new events, support our local economy and provide an outstanding venue for recreation, entertainment and community gatherings.”

Wicomico Recreation, Parks & Tourism Director Steve Miller called back to the venue’s history during his remarks.

“June 22, 1977… that is the day that this building here burned to the ground,” said Miller. “In the days that followed, the community rallied together, and their resolve was, ‘This is OUR building, this is our place, this place matters to us,’ and they were determined to build it bigger and better than it ever was before.”

And just over two years later, in the spring of 1980, the community had done just that.

The recent renovation project represents the single-biggest investment that’s happened at the venue since the Civic Center was rebuilt.

“In doing this project, we are reaffirming what they said nearly half a century ago: This is OUR building, this is our place, this place matters to us, and we’ve made it bigger and better than it’s ever been before,” said Miller.