What we’re eyeing

• Bonfire 2.0 Wood Burning Fire Pit: Enjoy a bonfire without having to switch chairs depending on which way the wind is blowing. The fire pit takes out the inconvenience of a smoky flame all while creating a perfect backyard bonfire atmosphere.
• Kamado wifi grill: If you’re looking to try smoking your own meat at home, you’re going to need the proper tools. You can control the temperature and the smoke of this grill through the Kamado app (and never miss a Gamecock touchdown).
• Nordic Ware Naturals 3 Piece Baking Set: Baking sheets are something you never think to buy for yourself or replace — so take this as an excuse to do so.

The deets on discounts

• Area rugs up to 80% off
• Bedding up to 65% off
• Cookware + bakeware up to 60% off
• Home office furniture up to 55% off
• Living room seating up to 60% off
• Mirrors and decor up to 65% off
• Outdoor furniture up to 60% off
• Outdoor lighting and decor up to 55% off
• And more.

• Teacher Appreciation Week | Monday, May 6-Friday, May 10 | 5:30 a.m. | 7 Brew Coffee, 2230 N. Beltline Blvd., Columbia | Customers who purchase $25 in gift cards this week for teachers will receive a free drink.

• Midlands Gives 2024 | Tuesday, May 7 | 6 a.m. | Virtual Fundraiser, 1601 Richland St., Columbia | Donation | Midlands Gives is a region-wide initiative that brings the community together to raise money and awareness for local nonprofits in 11 Midlands counties.

• Midlands Gives Block Party | Tuesday, May 7 | 11 a.m.-1 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | Free | Attendees who provide proof of donation will be entered into a drawing for a Columbia Fireflies fan experience.
• Sip and Plant Workshop: Terrariums | Tuesday, May 7 | 6:30-8 p.m. | Gardener’s Outpost, 1211 Franklin St., Columbia | $45 | Get your hands in the soil as you create a terrarium to bring home with the guidance of the Gardener’s Outpost team.

• Evening for Educators | Wednesday, May 8 | 4:30-6:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | The CMA in celebrating Teacher Appreciation Week with an evening of art, wine, and bites that includes a private look at closing featured exhibitions.

• Gamecock Baseball vs. Georgia Bulldogs | Thursday, May 9-Saturday, May 11 | Times vary | Founders Park, 431 Williams St., Columbia | $15-$20 | Root for the Gamecocks as they take on the Bulldogs in Founders Park.

• The Zesto at 1250 Chapin Rd. is closing after 18 years of serving the Chapin community. The last day of operation was this past weekend. Patrons expressed sadness over the closure on social media, reminiscing about memories made. (The State)

• The City of Cayce’s annual photography contest is seeking images that capture the essence of “Uniquely Cayce” for its calendar. Submit entries in .RAW or .jpg formats, landscape orientation, and a minimum 3MB size by Friday, June 28. Email the City of Cayce for detailed rules + guidelines.

• Columbia Children’s Theatre is holding auditions for “Seussical” on Saturday, May 11, and Monday, May 13, with callbacks on May 14th. Young performers in grades 1-12 are invited and must register.

• The Columbia Fireflies are offering Kids Club Memberships for $40, granting free lawn tickets to all home games, access to the Kids Zone, exclusive events, and discounts on summer camps or birthday parties. Purchase a membership.

• In a recent episode of Around Town with @ColaMayor, Mayor Rickenmann sat down with Dale Marshall — a local architect who’s owned a local firm since 1987 — and discussed the trends shaping our local housing landscape.

• Who could Dawn Staley + the South Carolina Women’s Basketball team play in Las Vegas? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

How it works

• Go through your pantry for canned goods or pick a few extras up while you’re grocery shopping.
• Place your donations in a bag beside your mailbox for pickup.
• Letter carriers will pick up food donations for Harvest Hope Food Bank.

Participating post offices

High-need items

• Canned | Proteins, beans, vegetables, or fruits
• Boxed/bagged | Oatmeal, grits, kinds of pasta, or rice
• Breakfast items or granola Bars
• Single-serve pop-top meals
• Macaroni and cheese
• Peanut butter