Plus, Gamecocks 2024 SEC opponents.
 
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🔥 Smokers in the outfield

Segra Park to host inaugural Southeastern BBQ Showdown
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Mark Conway, Emcee of the World Food Championships, announces the inuagural Southeastern BBQ Showdown at Segra Park. | Photo by COLAtoday
“Look behind me. See the outfield? We’re going to see people barbecuing,” said Mark Conway, emcee of the World Food Championships. “There’s going to be some of the most dynamic pit masters in all of the world of barbecue lining that outfield, and there’s going to be a country music concert that really is second to none.”

Food enthusiasts, barbecue aficionados, and fans of “A-list country music stars” will find themselves in barbecue bliss when the Southeastern BBQ Showdown comes to Columbia.

While the exact date for the inaugural showdown is yet to be announced, they’re waiting on next year’s Fireflies schedule to be announced, anticipation is already building. What we do know: it will be sometime in June of 2024.

Hosted by Capital City/Lake Murray Country Regional Tourism Board (CCLMC), the group is capitalizing on the momentum of sending three local teams to the World Food Championship, hosting the Final Table Event, and Food and Travel naming Lake Murray Country as a “Top Southern Summer Destination.”

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Mason was mum when asked about the exact date of the competition. | Photo by COLAtoday

“This two-day event held here at Segra Park will be the first ‘Food Sport Competition Event’ ever to be held in a sports complex in the United States,” said Miriam Atria, President and CEO of CCLMC. The Southeastern BBQ Showdown aims to showcase the best of the best in the national competitive barbecue scene, attracting both local enthusiasts and visitors.

With Columbia’s recent successes in the culinary world, the timing is right to continue expanding Columbia’s place in the food scene.
Asked

What does “barbecue” mean to you?
A. Grilling out
B. Pulled pork
C. Smoked meats
D. Something else (let us know below)
Fire it up
MUSC Health
 
Events
Friday, June 16
  • The NoMa Flea | Friday, June 16 | 6-9 p.m. | NoMa Warehouse, 2222 Sumter St., Columbia | Free | The market features several anchor vendors and at least 10 rotating pop-up vendors each week.
  • Jenna McSwain | Friday, June 16 | 7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts, 1051 Greene St., Columbia | $18 | Attend this one-of-a-kind concert series designed for audiences seeking premier jazz and specialty experiences in an exceptional setting.
  • Friday Night Laser Lights | Friday, June 16 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy the legendary music of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side of the Moon set to choreographed lasers in the museum’s 55-ft digital dome planetarium.*
Saturday, June 17
Sunday, June 18
  • Free Sundays | Sunday, June 18 | 1-4 p.m. | Mann-Simons Site, 1403 Richland St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy free admission every third Sunday of the month.
  • Juneteenth Joy Fest | Sunday, June 18 | 6 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $42-$128 | Four-time Grammy winner Yolanda Adams headlines this year’s fest, joined by Tye Tribbett, Le’Andria Johnson, and Jekalyn Carr.
Calendar events here
Click here to have your event featured.
The Columbia Museum of Art
 
Health

Wellness

Do you know how your DNA affects your health?
Presented by a COLAtoday Partner
MUSC Health
Get the details on your DNA thanks to this new community project launched by MUSC Health. | Photo provided by MUSC Health
Learning about your DNA may help improve access to personalized health care and support new research discoveries for our community. Enter: In Our DNA SC, a large-scale, first-of-its-kind community health research project that has been launched by MUSC Health.

This research project is part of the Helix Research Network, a leading population genomics company that combines the genetic and health information from health partners across the country to power genetic discovery. All information is held in a secure, privacy-protected database, and over time, this information will help researchers learn what may cause certain diseases, how to treat them more effectively, and ways to improve the standard of health care for all.

The goal: For 100,000 South Carolinians to join the project (at no cost ) over a four-year period. Currently, in year two, there are over 25,500 people enrolled.

The program is open to SC residents ages 18+. Potential participants can sign up and consent online.*
Learn more + enroll
News Notes
Coming Soon
  • Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant will open in the BullStreet District on Thursday, June 22. The 7,500-sqft location offers scratch-made food, onsite craft beer brewing, and indoor + outdoor dining options. Stop in and grab the exclusive Soda City Pils before an upcoming Fireflies game.
Sports
  • South Carolina’s men’s basketball team will compete in the inaugural Arizona Tip-Off tournament the weekend before Thanksgiving. The event features teams from across the country, including an opening match-up against Depaul. Travel packages for fans looking to visit the Grand Canyon State are on sale now.
Arts
  • Contemporary South Carolina artists are invited to apply for the SC Biennial 2023 at 701 Center for Contemporary Art. The center’s seventh survey exhibition of work will feature two parts: Nov. 17-Dec. 30, 2023 and Jan. 12-Feb. 25, 2024. All media and styles are welcome.
Community
  • Richland County’s updated Fireworks Ordinance takes effect on July 1. The new rules prohibit fireworks use between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. with exceptions on July 5 and Jan. 1 until 1 a.m. Don’t test it — penalties range from $500 to $1,000.
Award
  • Hollow Creek Distillery, located in Lexington County, received multiple awards in national spirits competitions including its William Alan Straight Bourbon Whiskey earning a double gold medal at the New York International Spirits Competition. The distillery plans to expand its distribution to Charleston and Myrtle Beach. (The Post and Courier)
Outdoors
  • A few weeks ago this century plant caught our eye. The State dug deeper and found the heartwarming story behind the Agave Americana. It was planted by the late Jeff Merck, former owner of Strings Attached at the corner of North Main Street and River Drive.
Health
  • Sun’s out and toes are too — it’s barefoot season, COLA. MUSC Health podiatrist Dr. Michelle L. Butterworth walks us through keeping our feet safe this summer.*
Wellness
 
Sports

Sports

Scope out Gamecock Football’s 2024 SEC opponents
Eclipse Football
Photo by @gamecockfb
South Carolina Gamecocks’ 2024 SEC football opponents have been announced, with several notable changes to the schedule.

The team will now face Oklahoma, Ole Miss, and LSU instead of Georgia, Tennessee, and Florida.

This shift marks the first-ever matchup between South Carolina and Oklahoma — head coach Shane Beamer’s former school. The SEC had to redo the schedule due to the addition of Texas and Oklahoma as conference members.

The 2024 schedule will eliminate divisions as the SEC moves to 16 teams. Notable games include South Carolina’s trip to Norman to face Oklahoma, the home game against Ole Miss, and the long-awaited visit to Alabama.

The SEC will reveal the times and dates for the games at a later time.
 
The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
It’s going to be odd not seeing the Gamecocks play Georgia in football next season. The rivarly featured some true classics over its 30-year run. This is one of my top Gamecock football highlights of all time.
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