The project

The structure

• The spire: 18 ft, 2.25 inches
• The dome: 21 ft, 3 inches
• The clerestory: 25 ft, 4 inches

The ceremony

• Village Idiot Cooking Class | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 6-8:30 p.m. | 1305 Assembly St., Columbia | $70 | Join Brian, co-owner of Village Idiot Pizza and learn how to make 2 10" pizzas with toppings.
• Storytime in the Garden | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 3:15-4 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | Free | Enjoy stories, songs, and activities with Richland Library and Historic Columbia staff in the Hampton-Preston Gardens.
• Columbia Fireflies vs. Charleston RiverDogs | Thursday, Aug. 10 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $5-$7 | Area 51 Night // Budweiser Thirsty Thursday ($1 fountain sodas, $2 domestic draft beers & $3 craft draft beers and cocktails)*

• Nashville Nights Concert Series | Friday, Aug. 11 | 6 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | Free | Nashville Nights feature talented singer/songwriters traveling from Nashville, TN for special live music performances on stage.
• Food Truck Friday | Friday, Aug. 11 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | 2300 Bull St., 2300 Bull St., Columbia | Price of purchase | Shake up your lunch routine and try one of the featured food trucks.

• Big Tree Hike at Congaree National Park | Saturday, Aug. 12 | 1-4 p.m. | Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Rd., Hopkins | Free | Join Volunteer Park Naturalist John Cely for a guided hike to some of the park’s big trees.

• Greg Middleton, a prominent investor in several Columbia businesses, is revitalizing the former Indian River Golf Club with YouTube golf duo Wesley and George Bryan IV, aiming to create Solina Golf Club. With over $10 million invested, they’re revamping the course into a top-notch private golf destination, set to reopen in April 2024. (Post and Courier)

• 7 Spices Indian Cuisine & Bar, a new eatery showcasing over 100 spices + serving up classic Indian dishes, opened at 1704 Bush River Rd. near AMF Columbia Lanes. The owner, Andy Patel, owns several businesses in Lexington County, but this is his first restaurant. (Post and Courier)

• East Columbia is tackling traffic congestion on major roads like Garners Ferry Road + Rosewood Drive, aiming for safer pedestrian environments and addressing crashes. With significant housing growth, the area is focusing on balanced development and cost-effective transportation solutions. A public meeting will take place on Tuesday, Aug. 29 if you want to voice your opinion. (WLTX)

• No. 24. That’s where Columbia ranked as one of the top 25 places to live in the Southeast, according to Livability. Cola was highlighted for its proximity to beaches and mountains, cost of living, weather, and cultural events. Speaking of events, check out our events page and go enjoy our city, Soda Citizens.

• Get ready for a warm + rainy fall, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Farmers’ Almanac. NOAA indicates a 40%-50% chance of warmer temperatures and a 33%-40% chance of increased rainfall from September through November. (The State)

• It’s National Farmer’s Market Week. Did you know we have a full guide to local markets? Check it out and support local farmers, artists, and small businesses. If your favorite is missing from the list, let us know.

• Celebrities who have shed pounds with Ozempic and other drugs have made this class of medications a hot topic. But are they safe — and do they work? James A. Wilkins, MD, with Lexington Family Practice Chapin has answers.*