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67° | Afternoon showers | 38% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:09 a.m. | Sunset 5:14 p.m.
 

🌳 This one’s for the trees

Celebrate Arbor Day in the Midlands
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Richland County students plant a tree on Arbor Day. | Photo by Richland County
Today is Arbor Day in SC, celebrated each year on the first Friday in December. Known as the tree planter’s holiday, schools and organizations in the Midlands are planting trees today to celebrate the benefits of nature’s skyscrapers.

The Columbia Canopy Project

This project, spearheaded by Historic Columbia and Columbia Green, aims to plant memorial trees in Columbia’s historically marginalized communities. It’s an effort to address structural racism, celebrate community leaders, and promote urban greening.

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A canopy of trees in Congaree National Park. | Photo by Andrew Parlette

Timber Tales

Tree planting as a commemorative act has historical roots in Cola, as seen in the tribute grove at the State House grounds, including seedlings dedicated to George Washington.

During the grand opening ceremony outside the Anne Frank Center at USC, a sapling taken from the chestnut tree in Amsterdam was planted. This is from the same tree she looked at often for the two years she spent hidden away writing in her diary.

Fun fact: Congaree National Park is home to some of the tallest trees east of the Mississippi. Thanks to conservation efforts and the unique ecosystem, the loblolly pines grow more than 167 ft tall — that’s about half the height of The Capitol Center on Main Street, which is the tallest building in the state.

Keep an eye out for the next Big Tree Hike to get an up-close look.

Money grows on these trees

$23.2 billion. That’s the economic impact of forestry statewide, including timber, logging, pulp + paper, furniture, and more. That accounts for 100,000 jobs and $5.5 billion in labor income.

Celebrate Arbor Day by attending the Columbia Canopy Project launch event at Drew Park (2101 Walker Soloman Way) at 10 a.m. today, or check with TreeSC to learn more about tree health and what you can do to keep your canopy healthy and strong.
 
Events
Friday, Dec. 1
  • Alive Again Book Signing | Friday, Dec. 1 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Kudzu Bakery & Market Columbia, 4600 Forest Dr., Columbia | Free | Leré Robinson’s recipes take the focus off of diets and denial and support balance and health.
  • Gamecocks Mens Basketball vs. George Washington | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $10-$45 | Spend Friday night in the Vista watching the Gamecocks men’s basketball look to continue their winning season.
  • Shane Gillis Live | Friday, Dec. 1 | 7 p.m. | The Township Auditorium, 1703 Taylor St., Columbia | $35-$45 | Known for sharp, unfiltered comedy, Shane Gillis brings his unique humor to the stage, blending edginess with captivating storytelling.
Saturday, Dec. 2
  • Midlands Native Tree and Shrub Sale | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Woodrow Wilson Family Home, 1705 Hampton St., Columbia | Price of purchase | These trees and shrubs are selected to thrive in the Midlands.
  • Santa Saturdays | Saturday, Dec. 2 | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | South Carolina State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $6.95-$8.95 | Meet Santa at the South Carolina State Museum, see holiday shows, explore four floors of exhibitions and shop in the museum store every Saturday leading up to Christmas.
Sunday, Dec. 3
  • Homes for the Holidays | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 1-5 p.m. | Hollywood-Rose Hill Neighborhood, 2818 Devine St., Columbia | $35 | Join this tour in the Shandon Hollywood-Rose Hill area of homes decked out for the holidays.
  • Historic Melrose Art in the Yard | Sunday, Dec. 3 | 1-5 p.m. | Melrose Heights, Melrose Heights, Columbia | Free | Melrose Heights brings artists and entertainment to a historic Columbia neighborhood with Melrose Art in the Yard, featuring over 100 artists, food trucks, and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Friday, December 8
  • Family Movie Night Under the Stars | Fri., Dec. 8 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Northwest Family YMCA, 1501 Kennerly Road, Irmo | Free | Enjoy a free outdoor showing of the Polar Express on the big screen — food + drinks will be available for purchase.*
Calendar events here
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Eat

Holiday party hosting made easy
Slideshow of cheeses, pretzels, hot dogs, and brats spread out on boards
If a five-course dinner better suits your style, the Smokehouse tapas + taps gives guests a tapas dinner with the best of smoked meats, side dishes, and a flight of local beer. | Photos via @lowesfoods
Need a fun outing for a holiday girls’ night or a space to host your team for a work event — what about your kiddo’s next birthday? Why not at your local grocery store?

The Community Table at Lowes Foods has an abundance of two-hour private event options for parties up to 12.

For $15 per guest, you can host:
  • Wine + cheese pairings: Enjoy a custom pairing of a gourmet wine flight and delectable cheeses.
  • Beer and brats: A match made in hog heaven, this event option pairs a flight of local draft beer with four SausageWorks brats flavors.
  • Tea parties: Enjoy tasty tea, finger sandwiches, and a cake square decorating class — because you’re never too old to enjoy tea with a pinky out.
Looking for more hands-on experiences? Try a cake decorating class or a floral design + wine night.

Pro tip: Hosting at home? Lowes Foods can help with that too.
What will your next event be?
News Notes
Award
  • There’s a new star on the boulevard. Darius Rucker will receive the 2,766th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on Monday, Dec. 4. The ceremony will be live-streamed at 2:30 p.m. as they celebrate his achievements in the music industry.
Sports
  • Gamecock quarterback Spencer Rattler announced he will enter his name for the NFL Draft. ESPN analyst Mel Kiper ranks him as the No. 10 quarterback prospect in the upcoming draft. (ESPN)
Edu
  • The USC’s School of Sports and Entertainment Management will offer a Taylor Swift course starting this spring called “Life is Just a Classroom: Taylor’s Version.” The class will focus on her business ingenuity and her “agency as a woman” in the music industry. (The Post and Courier)
Read
  • Food Network star Jason Smith will sign his cookbook, “Lord Honey: Traditional Southern Recipes with a Country Bling Twist,” at Main Street’s Mast General Store on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5 to 7 p.m. The book celebrates Southern culinary traditions inspired by his grandmother.
Seasonal
  • Governor Henry McMaster and First Lady Peggy McMaster invite the public to a Christmas Open House at the Governor’s Mansion on Monday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. The free event features Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, entertainment by harpist Nina Brooks, and light refreshments.
Arts
  • The iconic HOPE sign on the 1400 Block of Main Street received a permanent upgrade. Originally installed in 2020 as a symbol of community resilience during the pandemic, the sign has become a popular spot for photo ops for downtown visitors.
Cause
  • Bank of America named City Year Columbia as the 2023 Neighborhood Champion for advancing economic mobility in underserved areas. This award includes a $50,000 grant and leadership training to help City Year’s mission to provide educational opportunities for youth. (Soda City Biz Wire)
Pets
Shop
  • Which ugly Christmas sweater would you choose? We’re liking: the Santa hat-topped wine glass or the “Home Alone” print featuring Catherine O’Hara.*
Eat
  • You deserve something delicious this weekend. Put this brunch star together on Saturday evening, let it sit overnight, then pop it in the oven for a sweet, sweet Sunday morning — and thank us on Monday.*
Job
  • We’re hiring a National Content Editor to support our markets nationwide. Responsibilities include planning, writing, editing, and publishing the most relevant, engaging, and conversational daily content about our cities. We’re seeking a person with a strong and diverse knowledge of content relevant to growing communities. See details and apply.
Lexington Medical Center
 
Shop

🚲 Black Bike Friday: Score $1,200 off an e-bike for the cyclist on your list
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Every Upway e-bike is eligible for a 14-day return and backed by a one-year warranty. | Photos by Upway
Have an active loved one on your shopping list? We’ve got you.

Upway delivers rigorously inspected, certified, and 99% pre-assembled e-bikes from top brands (think: Specialized, Aventon, and Super73) directly to your doorstep — so your favorite person can get rolling right after unwrapping.

E-bikes are typically more expensive than bicycles, but you can score yours for up to $1,200 off.

(Order before Wednesday, Dec. 20 and use code TREE for free express shipping.)
Shop Upway e-bikes
The Buy

The Buy 12.01.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
Only the perfect gift for cat lovers.
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The Wrap
 
David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David
From the editor
As a dedicated Gamecocks men’s basketball season ticket holder, I’m excited about our team this season. Their 6-0 start has The Cockpit charged up and the atmosphere’s been electric. Fun fact: some December games will feature free concessions.
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