10.17.2023

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Today’s Forecast

66º | Heavy thunderstorms | 90% chance of rain
Sunrise 7:30 a.m. | Sunset 5:32 p.m.

How well do you know Columbia?

15 interesting facts about Columbia that may surprise you

Sunset views in the Soda City. | Photo by @heavensviewaerials

If you know us, you know we’re here for the deep cuts — and there are plenty of interesting factoids to go around. As connoisseurs of the quirky and unconventional, we put together a list of the Soda City’s history, oddest characteristics, and more. Maybe you’ve lived here your whole life and know some of this, or maybe you’ll learn something new.

Either way, test your local knowledge with these 15 interesting facts.

1. The South Caroliniana Library was the first college library in the nation built as a separate building in 1840. The freestanding library was constructed at the University of South Carolina, and you can read the full history of the library here.

2. Columbia has star power as numerous athletes, actors, and authors hail from the capital city. This includes 2020 Masters Tournament champion Dustin Johnson, R&B singer Angie Stone, and Kristin Davis, known for her role as Charlotte on “Sex and the City.”

3. Lake Murray was built in the 1920s and at the time was the largest (50,000-acres) man-made lake in the country. The Saluda Dam (most commonly known as the Lake Murray Dam) was also the largest earthen dam in the world when it was built.

4. Georgia O’Keeffe, a well-known modern artist of the 20th century, taught art at Columbia College in 1915. While there, she produced the charcoal sketches that found their way to Alfred Stieglitz – who took up promoting her art… and the rest is history.

5. 1,284. That’s how many toasters Kenneth Huggins has in the world’s largest collection, which he stores in his home and a special-built storage house. Soda Citizens hold several world records in the “Guinness Book of World Records,” including the greatest distance catching a grape in the mouth.

Click the link below for 10 more facts about the Soda City.

10 more interesting facts

City Guide presented by AllSouth Federal Credit Union.

Asked

Did our fun facts surprise you?

A. Yes, I didn’t know any of these
B. I knew a few but there were still some surprises
C. I know my city well and knew all these already

Let us know what you think

Events

Tuesday, Oct. 17

Spooky Terrarium Workshop | Tuesday, Oct. 17 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Your ticket includes terrarium glass, plants, moss, miniature figurines, and all of the tools, soils, and amendments you’ll need to make your own spooky terrarium.

Wednesday, Oct. 18

4th Annual Contractors for Hope | Wednesday, Oct. 18 | 5-10 p.m. | Steel Hands Brewing, 2350 Foreman St., Cayce | $100 | Your ticket includes an open bar, appetizers, dinner, raffles, and silent auction items.

Thursday, Oct. 19

19th Annual Palladium Silent Auction Bidding & BBQ | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 7-10 p.m. | Hampton-Preston Mansion & Gardens, 1615 Blanding St., Columbia | $40-$60 | Dozens of items will be up for auction, including destination packages, experiential packages to explore local cultural sites, behind-the-scenes tours, and gift cards.
Lexington One’s Educational Foundation Grand Golf Tournament | Thursday, Oct. 19 | 8 a.m. | Golden Hills Golf & Country Club, Lexington | $500 | All proceeds will support the foundation’s mission of serving Lexington District One’s schools, teachers, students, and families through its educational and need-based funding.

Friday, Oct. 20

Boo at the Zoo | Friday, Oct. 20-Monday, Oct. 30 | 6-9 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia | $17 for members; $20 for general public | The annual family-friendly Halloween event is back with magic shows, haunted carousel rides, trick-or-treating, and more — Protip: Buy in advance + save up to $5 per ticket.

Friday, Oct. 27

Fright Night Laser Lights | Friday, Oct. 27 | 6-10 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $8-$10 | Enjoy planetarium laser experiences including Laser Stranger Things and Dark Side of the Moon — costumes are welcome.*

Saturday, Oct. 28

Halloween Hoopla at EdVenture | Saturday, Oct. 28 | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | EdVenture, 211 Gervais Street, Columbia | $13 | This event is free with general admission and features fun-filled activities and Halloween-themed programs — plus, trick-or-treating through Eddie’s Village.*

Calendar events here

Click here to have your event featured.

Drink

Should you really drink 8 glasses of water per day?

LMNT supports all activities — from trail running with the family to making healthier spicy margaritas with the girls. | Photos by LMNT

Since the 1940s, we’ve been told to drink eight glasses of water per day. But drinking beyond thirst dilutes blood electrolyte levels (especially sodium levels), leading to headaches, low energy, cramps, confusion, or worse.

The key? Add electrolytes into the mix.

Enter: LMNT.

Created by scientists, LMNT has enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium to get you truly hydrated. It has zero sugar and artificial colors — while offering fan-fave flavors like Citrus Salt and Raspberry Salt.

Get a free sample pack with any purchase

News Notes

Announced

Country star Sam Hunt announced the 2024 Outskirts Tour, and it includes a stop at Colonial Life Arena on April 12, 2024. The tour features special guests Brett Young + Lily Rose. Presale tickets go on sale starting tomorrow and general tickets begin selling on Friday, Oct. 20.

Edu

USC is introducing the USC Commitment Initiative — a new initiative that provides free tuition to in-state high school graduates in the top 10% of their classes, coming from families earning less than $80,000 per year. The program will begin next school year. (The Post and Courier)

Civic

West Columbia’s mayoral and council races will take place between Monday, Oct. 23 + Tuesday, Nov. 7 and feature 11 candidates. Get to know the candidates who aim to address key town issues happening in the 18,000-resident Lexington County area. (The Post and Courier)

Community

The SC State Museum will celebrate 35 years with free admission on Saturday, Nov. 4 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests can enjoy pop-up performances, tours, and a new exhibition called “The Story of Us.” Explore 50 objects and learn about the museum’s future through the “Reimagine the Experience” project.

Wellness

Does intermittent fasting boost your metabolism — or is it just a fad? We got the lowdown on four health trends from Prisma physicians, who tell us which trends are worth trying… and which are all hype. And ICYMI, this was part of our latest edition of COLA Wellness. See the October edition.*

Festival

Prost! Oktoberfest Columbia is back at Incarnation Lutheran Church Friday, Oct. 20-Sunday, Oct. 22. During the 11th annual celebration, enjoy bites from an authentic German menu, treats from Oma’s Bakery, German beer on tap, live music, and more. Psst… admission is free.*

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The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

I love local trivia and weird facts that I can bring up over a drink or dinner. Now it’s your turn. Think you can get one over on us? Let us know your favorite local trivia tidbit and you just might make it into the newsletter.

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