Love supporting local? Here’s how you can support COLAtoday
If you love this newsletter and supporting local, COLAtoday’s membership program is just the thing for you. | Photo by COLAtoday
We see you reading COLAtoday daily, sharing our posts, andsupporting all things local. Since you love this newsletter and supporting our city as much as we do, we’d like to extend an invitation to take the local love to a new level by becoming a COLAtoday member.
We’re committed to our mission of offering positive community news and information to all Soda Citizens and when you become a member, youhelp keep this product free. We know you hate paywalls as much as we do. By becoming a member, you help keep this product free for everyone. Because access to important local information should be free for all.
As a member, you’ll get exclusive birthday deals, shout-outs in the newsletter, and discounts on local products in our Six & Mainstore, just to name a few.
When you support us, you’re also supporting Columbia. We’re donating 10% of members’ contributions annually to a local philanthropic cause.
Thank you for being a reader and supporting our mission.
Adams Apple Co. Tasting | Wed., Sept. 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kudzu Bakery + Market, 4600 Forest Dr. | Free | Stop by to try Adams Apple Co. and shop its butters, jams, and more. 🍎
Thursday
Doug Jones | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 5:30-9:30 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Enjoy live music from Doug Jones of Cravin’ Melon + craft beer. 🍈
The Supper Club At Chayz Lounge | Wed., Sept. 7 | 6-9 p.m. | Chayz Lounge, 607 Meeting St., West Columbia | $20 | Experience a symphony of flavors and artistry, lovingly prepared with exceptional flair by Chef Augusta and her talented team.
Meeting Street Artisan Market | Thurs., Sept. 8 | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
Friday
Fallapalooza | Fri., Sept. 9 | 6 p.m. | Icehouse Amphitheater, 107 W Main St., Lexington | $18 | This event will feature three tribute bands, the gates will open at 6 p.m., and there will be food + drink for sale. 🎸
Saturday
Art Class: Kinetic Sculpture | Sat., Sept. 10 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | The Columbia Museum of Art | $56 for members, $70 for non-members | Create your very own dreamy hanging sculpture with the instruction of local art educator and artist Blakely Sheely.*
Tuesday
Art Class: Sculpted Wire Wearables | Tues., Sept. 13 | 6-8 p.m. | The Columbia Museum of Art | $56 for members, $70 for non-members | Sculpt artsy wire wearables inspired by sculptor Amanda McCavour.*
Plan Ahead
Oktoberfest at Savage Craft | Sat., Oct. 1 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft, 430 Center St., West Columbia | Free | Savage Craft is having its annual Oktoberfest celebration featuring multiple beer releases, live music, special food menu, t-shirts, prizes + more. 🍻 *
We have amonthly guide filled with events + activities you can plan for in advance. Click the button below to bookmark ideas for upcoming date nights, family outings, and time with friends.
For tickets to local and regional events, check out our 6AM Tickets resale marketplace.*
10 things to know about the South Carolina State Fair
Ready to feel like a kid again? Good news — your chance is just around the corner with the return of the South Carolina State Fair Wed., Oct. 12-Sun., Oct. 23.
This year’s theme, “To the Fair and Beyond,” celebrates the experiences, traditions + impact the SC State Fair creates for not only 12 days each October, but also year-round + beyond.
Pro tip: You can receive 50% off tickets bought now through Tues., Oct. 11 online or at participating Circle K locations. | Photo by Forrest Clonts/SC State Fair
Take a peek behind the circus tent with 10 things you need to know about the 153rd SC State Fair:
🎡 It’s the state’s largest event.
Yep, that’s right. Each year, approximately 500,000 visitors attend from across the region.
🎡 There will be 90+ food vendors.
Expect your classic fair favorites like elephant ears + foot-long corn dogs — plus new, mouthwatering treats like deep-fried moon pies that will put you over the moon.
🎡 There will be 60+ rides.
From sky-high thrillers to family-friendly fun rides, there’s really something for everyone.
🎡 Plenty of entertainment options.
Enjoy a variety of entertainment attractions, including live bands, acts, exhibits, animal races + more. Pro tip: Villa*Nova will be rocking out as this year’s opening band.
🎡 You can visit the moon like never before.
Okay, maybe it’s a large six-meter spherical glowing moon on display as part of the Museum of the Moon traveling exhibition presented by South Carolina ETV.
🎡 17,000+ competitive exhibits.
Check out a showcase of South Carolina’s best in art, crafts + agriculture.
🎡Sensory-Friendly Morning.
The lights and sounds will be a little lower from 10 a.m.-noon on Thursday, Oct. 13, when the fair hosts its first-ever Sensory-Friendly Morning.
🎡 The SC State Fair is a nonprofit.
The fair provides $300,000+ in scholarships each year to South Carolina students.
🎡 It’s an important contributor to the local economy.
The fair makes a $45.5 million annual economic impact.*
I Heart Mac and Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant known for its customizable mac and cheese bowls, will have a grand opening at 11 a.m. on Wed., Sept. 21, for its new spot at 2712 Emanuel Church Rd. in West Columbia. Get there early — thefirst ten people in line will get free mac and cheese for a year. 🧀 (The State)
Closed
Portions of the Saluda Riverwalkwill be closed this week for repairs to concrete that was damaged by a tree that fell during a recent storm. Boyd Island will not be accessible while the repairs are underway. The section is expected to reopen Sat., Sept 10. 🔨 (WLTX)
Sports
Kai Kroegerwas named the Ray Guy National Punter of the Week for his performance last Saturday against Georgia State. Kai punted seven times in the Gamecock’s win, including a career-long 79-yarder, the longest for a Gamecock since Marty Simpson’s 79-yarder against Vanderbilt in 1992. 🏈(Gamecocks Online)
Closing
The KJ’s Market grocery store at 4360 Augusta Rd. in Lexington will close on Sat., Sept. 17. A liquidation sale is currently underway, with most items in the store marked down 25 percent. 🛍️ (The Post and Courier)
Number
No. 29.That’s where Columbia ranked on Wallethub’s list of the best places to retire in America. The list compares 46 key measures of affordability, quality of life, health care, and more. The top overall city to retire was Charleston, SC.
Award
The South Carolina Philharmonic was awarded a $15,000 Arts Education Project Grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission to support the orchestra’s Link Up program. The Link Up program is a collaboration with Carnegie Hall and serves over 2,000 Midlands area students by providing classroom materials and more. 🎻
Plan Ahead
Joe Gatto’s Night of Comedyis coming to the Koger Center on Sun., Nov. 12. Joe is best known for his TV shows “Impractical Jokers” and “The Misery Index.” Tickets for the one-night-only event go on saleFri., Sept. 9 at 10 a.m.
Community
Contra Cola, a traditional music and dance organization, will host a new dancer’s workshop on Sat., Sept. 17, from 7-7:30 p.m., followed by a dance until 10:30 p.m. The dance will be at 914 Pulaski St., featuring music from Potent Brew + the caller will be Kenny Greer. 💃
Arts
Calling all graphic designers. Six & Main, COLAtoday’s online shop, is looking for freelancers to create local-inspired designs to showcase on exclusive products (think: t-shirts, mugs, tote bags + more). Plus, you’ll get paid. Interested?Send us a message.
Health
How does a total body reset sound?As in transform your body through yoga mobility, breathwork + mindfulness-based relaxation to align and restore the whole body and mind. Registered Nurse Shannon Watson’s eight-week Total Body Reset Program is now available virtually — and on sale through Sept. 11. Learn more + sign up. 🧘 *
DYK
Did you know prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men after skin cancer? From signs to risk factors to treatments, here’s what men should know about prostate cancer, according to Prisma Health experts.*
Content marked with an * is brought to you by our advertising partners and helps make this newsletter free.
GIVEAWAY
Travel and Outdoors
$1K Staycation Giveaway 💰
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
Enter to win our “$1K Staycation Giveaway” in partnership with AllSouth Federal Credit Union. | COLAtoday
In case you missed it on our Instagram, we’re teaming up with AllSouth Federal Credit Union to give away a $1,000 staycation to a lucky local,including all the makings to play tourist for a weekend (think: a hotel stay, entertainment, good eats + more — all winner’s choice).
To enter: Like our post on Instagram, make sure you’re following @AllSouthFCU + @COLAtoday, and tag the local spot(s) you plan to visit if you win in the comments.
We’ll draw and announce the winneronFri., Sept. 16(and shout them out in the newsletter on Mon., Sept. 19). 🎉 *
THE WRAP
Today’s edition was written by City Editor David.
Editor’s pick: Save your money for a deep-fried Moon Pie.Tickets for the State Fair go on sale today, and if you purchase one now through Oct. 11, you’ll get tickets at a discounted price that can be used any day the fair is open — weekdays or weekends. The discounted tickets are also available for sale at Circle K locations around the Midlands.
Editorial: Samantha Robertson, David Stringer, Jessalin Heins-Nagamoto, Kaylee Holland, Ashlea Hearn, Emily Shea| Send us a scoop, question, or feedback.
Content marked with an * was created in partnership with 6AM City’s advertising partners. Paid content helps keep this newsletter free. 6AM City may also receive a commission on purchases made through affiliate links in this newsletter.
Content marked with an * is paid advertising. Content marked with an ^ is created by our content studio. The company may also generate commission from affiliate links in the newsletter.
