01.04.2024

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Today’s forecast

58º | Cloudy | 0% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:26 a.m. | Sunset 5:19 p.m.

🛶 The iceman cometh

Millrace Massacre and Iceman Challenge on the Saluda River

Millrace Massacre racers gather for a photo on the Saluda River. | Photo via Millrace Massacre and Iceman Challenge

About 53º — that’s the water temperature of the Saluda River in January. On Saturday at the Saluda Riverwalk on Candi Lane, hundreds of onlookers will gather to watch courageous kayakers and canoeists shoot the Class III and IV rapids for the Iceman Championship stump.

Here’s a breakdown of the free-to-attend 24th annual Millrace Massacre and Iceman Challenge events.

Straight Shooter

This beginner-friendly race kicks off the day, offering a more accessible challenge for novice paddlers. Competitors start and finish at predetermined points, navigating the “Straight Shooter” line through Millrace without a set course, making it ideal for participants of all abilities.

Millrace Massacre

The event’s namesake, the Millrace Massacre, is a timed trial for intermediate and advanced paddlers. This race demands precision and control, as competitors in kayaks or canoes (no longer than nine feet) must follow a specific course through the Millrace rapids, catching eddies along the way.

Any deviation results in time penalties, adding to the challenge. This race features separate men’s and women’s classes, with cash prizes for the winners.

Course Map.jpeg — The course map shows kayakers route to the Riverbanks bridge and back. | Photo by Millrace Massacre

Iceman Championships

The Iceman Championships is a grueling endurance race that combines kayaking, running, and swimming. Open to all skill levels, competitors can choose any man-powered craft for this mass-start event.

The course includes navigating through Millrace and Pop-up Hole, a long flatwater stretch to the Zoo bridge and back, and a final leg where participants must carry their boats back to the top of Millrace, and then swim to the finish line with their gear. Covering approximately 1.5 miles, this race is a true test of stamina and resilience.

How to watch

Many spectators gather on the riverbanks and on the rocks to get an up-close look at the rapids, but feel free to bring a chair and a picnic basket to enjoy your day on the Three Rivers Greenway.

The Candi Lane location has two parking lots, street parking, and bathrooms for attendees. Pro tip: parking fills up fast.

Events

Thursday, Jan. 4

Tommy Stinson (The Replacements) | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 7-10 p.m. | The Spaze, 804 S. Edisto Ave., Columbia | $25-$100 | Tommy Stinson, best known as the bassist for The Replacements and a former member of Guns N’ Roses, plays a rare solo show.
Modern Shag Night | Thursday, Jan. 4 | 8:30-11 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, 710 Meeting St., West Columbia | $5 | Learn this Southern staple dance and mingle with other Shag dancers.
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden - Wild Lights | Wednesday, Jan. 4-Sunday, Jan. 14 | 5-9 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, 500 Wildlife Pkwy., Columbia | $19.99 | Catch the Wild Lights exhibition before it closes until the next holiday season.

Friday, Jan. 5

Lee Alexander McQueen & Ann Ray: Rendez-Vous | Friday, Jan. 5-Sunday, Jan. 21 | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | $10 | Catch the exhibit before its last day.

Saturday, Jan. 6

Gamecock Mens Basketball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 12 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $20+ | The Gamecocks tip off SEC play at home and look to go 13-1 on the season.
Rumours: The Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute | Saturday, Jan. 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Harbison Theatre, 7300 College St., Irmo | $50 | Sing along to your favorite hits like “Dreams,” “The Chain,” and “Landslide.”

Sunday, Jan. 7

Gamecock Women’s Basketball vs. Mississippi State Bulldogs | Sunday, Jan. 7 | 1 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena, 801 Lincoln St., Columbia | $25+ | Watch the No. 1 Gamecocks as they begin their SEC journey.

Calendar events here

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News Notes

Opening

Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a franchise from Carolina Beach, NC, is opening a new location in downtown Columbia later this year. While franchisees Ellis Farr and Jake Wells have not finalized an exact address, they aim to bring a relaxed, community-centric dining atmosphere. (The State)

Civic

Former Columbia City Councilwoman Tameika Isaac Devine won a special election Tuesday, filling State Senate Seat 19 in northwest Richland County and becoming the sixth woman in the 46-member senate. (WLTX)

Coming Soon

The Flip Factory Zone — a 60,000 sqft family entertainment center — is set to open at the end of 2024 on Forest Drive, next to Sam’s Club and Walmart. Offering trampolines, arcade games, laser tag, and more, it replaces the former Where Ya Bin store in East Forest Plaza. (The Post and Courier)

Active

Planet Fitness is opening a new gym in the Danwood Shopping Center at 2410 Augusta Rd. in West Columbia. Situated along the U.S. Highway 1 corridor, this location is four miles from the Parkland Plaza space and joins eight other Midlands locations. (The Lexington Chronicle)

Cause

Leadership Lexington County is seeking project proposals from local non-profits for its Class of 2024 initiative. Eligible organizations in Lexington County with 501c3 status can apply by Monday, Jan. 8 for a chance to benefit from the year-long project.

Drink

The Dunkin’ Donuts on Forest Drive has reopened after closing for renovations. The facelift includes a modernized interior and exterior of the building.

Fun Fact

Did you know 52,000 of you welcome us into your inbox every morning? We’re asking you to take two minutes to tell us more about yourself so we can continue to write about things you find interesting. One lucky COLA survey participant will win $500. Take the survey.

Eat

Resolved to eat a little healthier this year? Us, too. We’re cooking up this farro salad with artichokes to give us a kick start.*

Answered

Try these low-cost activities

Answered: Free and low cost events for older adults

Mike Gibson preserves Pearl Fryar’s topiary art at the SC State Museum. | Photo via Mike Gibson

“Being a senior and retired person, I rely on my city newsletter for information on things to do. It is very important for mental and physical health for seniors to remain active and socially engaged. It would be nice to occasionally have some emphasis on activities for that demographic. Things that are free or low cost, easily accessed, and of interest to seniors.” — Jean A.

Thanks for writing in, Jean. A few events that are a great fit for your search come to mind. We’ll be sure to keep including these types of events in our newsletter, but for now, here are three upcoming events that may fit the bill.

Harbison Community Center offers various fitness classes that are free of charge for residents or $4 for non-residents. It also offers games like Bingo that are $2 per card.
First Sunday at the SC State Museum offers $1 general admission on the first Sunday of each month.
Free Fridays at Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens for Richland and Lexington County Residents is happening in January and February.

The Buy

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Pvolve’s signature equipment bundle, so you can try the at-home functional fitness method that has proven results and a Clinical Advisory Board. Fun fact: Jennifer Aniston liked it so much, she joined the company.

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The Wrap

David Stringer wearing a dark button-down shirt

Today’s edition by:
David

From the editor

I have good news if you were hoping to get your Millrace Massacre weekend started early. Tonight is the movie night kickoff party at Indah Coffee from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The 2024 Iceman shirts will be available, along with kayak movies on display.

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