The background

The beer

The food

• Wine Down Wednesday with WIP + YLS | Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Femme x Columbia, 1501 Richland St., Columbia | $15 | This Women Entrepreneur Happy Hour is the perfect networking opportunity for local businesswomen to talk to fellow boss babes in the community over a glass of wine and light bites.
• Legally Blonde | Tuesday, Mar. 28-Wednesday, Mar. 29 | 7:30-10 p.m. | $55-$99 | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | Based on the beloved movie, “Legally Blonde” follows the transformation of Elle Woods as she tackles stereotypes, sexism, snobbery, and scandal in pursuit of her dreams

• Annual Tartan Day South Celebration | Thursday, Mar. 30 | Various locations around West Columbia | Prices vary for each event | Tartan Day South honors the Celtic culture and heritage in South Carolina’s Midlands region

• Team DeVita Oyster Roast for LLS | Friday, Mar. 31 | 6-10 p.m. | Saluda River Club Chickawa Outdoor Center, 629 Chickawa Dr., Lexington | $125 | All ticket sales will go directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the event will feature oysters, craft beer, music, and more.

• The Carolina Cup | Saturday, Apr. 1 | 9 a.m.-2 p.m. | The Carolina Cup & National Steeplechase Museum at Springdale Race Course, 200 Knights Hill Rd., Camden | $50 | Saddle up for a SC tradition, the 88th running of Camden’s nationally renowned steeplechase race.*

• Aiken Art Walk | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 5-8 p.m. | Downtown Aiken, Laurens St. & Hayne Ave., Aiken | Free | Celebrate the charm of downtown Aiken and the city’s talented local artists at the annual art walk featuring artisan products for sale, snacks to eat, farm fresh goods + more.*

By the numbers

• No. 3: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer worldwide in men and women and the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the US.
• 75%: Patients with second-degree relatives with CRC have a 75% higher chance of developing the disease.
• 45-75: Adults ages 45 to 75 should get screened for colorectal cancer.
• 3%: In recent years, cases have reduced by 3% — due in large part to a decrease in patient risk factors as well as increased screenings and polypectomies (read: a minimally-invasive procedure to remove a polyp).

How to reduce your risk

• Drink plenty of water.
• Limit red meat and add more fruits and vegetables to your diet.
• Add probiotics to your routine and consume more fiber.
• Get screened and bring up any concerns to your primary care doctor.*

• The Columbia Fireflies released 2023 game day information, including parking updates. Beginning Thursday, April 6, the first floor of the parking deck on the corner of Boyce and Freed streets and the lot beyond the right field next to the first base building will have free ADA parking.

• Moctezuma’s Mexican Restaurant is coming soon to 402 Beltline Blvd.— formally occupied by Lizard’s Thicket. Cason Development Group, LLC bought the 6,500-sqft building. The location at 506 Beltline Blvd. and its beloved food truck will remain open. An opening date has not been announced. (The State)
• MASA Mexican Street Food is coming in July and will occupy a 2,906-sqft space at 5th & Sloan in Rosewood. This will be the second location for the restaurant and will serve counter service for lunch, a bigger menu for dinner, and a full bar with an outdoor patio.

• Columbia Opportunity Resource announced a new itinerary for Crash Course Columbia. The 10-hour professional development day connects you to the community by showcasing developments, guiding you through behind-the-scenes looks, and teaching you history throughout the city. The spring tour will take place March 30-31.

• Eat some gelato while watching locals stuff their faces with hot dogs. Scoopy Doo Gelato is hosting a hot dog eating contest this Saturday, April 1 at 1 p.m. First place will take home a free hot dog every week for a year, second place will take home a free hot dog every month for a year, and third place will take home a free hot dog meal.

• The second annual Celebration of Dawn Staley fundraising event will take place on April 27. The dinner and open bar event will feature a fireside chat between Dawn Staley and special guest Robin Roberts, ABC’s “Good Morning America” co-anchor. Tickets start at $215.

• Need spring break plans for the kids? The SC State Museum is offering 50% of kids general admission (12 and under) during Spring Break, April 4-16. Pro tip: This is the perfect time to see the new show, “James Webb Space Telescope” and exhibit “521: All-Stars.” Get tickets.*

• 4+ million. That’s the number of people who start their day with this free newsletter because it declutters the daily news and provides a five-minute rundown of the most important stories happening around the world. Want to save time and get smarter? Sign up.*

• The most polished organizational item in your kitchen: the Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister, which not only looks great but keeps coffee fresh by sucking oxygen out of the jar. Pro tip: You can use it to store any snack and it will stay fresh longer.

How it works

• The lottery opens on Thursday, April 4, and closes on Wednesday, April 10. Winners will be notified on Tuesday, April 16.
• All applicants are charged a $1 fee upon lottery entry. Those selected will be charged the remaining $24 to secure their passes.
• Passes admit one passenger vehicle with up to two axles + eight passengers.
• Passes are non-transferable and valid only for the specified date.

What to expect

Follow these firefly rules

• Minimize flashlight use and use only red-mode lights or lights with a red filter.
• Avoid using cell phones for light or photography/video in the viewing area.
• Stay on the designated Firefly Trail while exploring.
• Refrain from catching or disturbing the fireflies.
• You can apply insect repellent before arriving at the park, but no repellent can be applied after entry.