07.01.2024

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87º | 40% chance of precipitation
Sunrise 6:16 a.m. | Sunset 8:39 p.m.
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📸 Cola through your lens

Introducing our 2024 Picture of the Year contest

Columbia’s skyline at night. | Photo by Timothy M.

At the beginning of 2024, we ran a photo contest and garnered over 144 submissions. Thanks, Cola. We love how shutterbug-y you are.

We had almost 900 votes for our Picture of the Year contest and “Columbia’s Skyline at Night” — this year’s winner — garnered over 34.4% of the votes.

We’re almost halfway through 2024 now (whoa), so we’re officially opening up the 2024 Picture of the Year contest. You can submit shots now + we’ll casually remind you a few more times before the end of the year. We’ll pick a winner at the beginning of 2025.

The rules

Most important rule: Photo submissions must include a visual element that directly connects to Columbia. Examples include a photo from a local sporting event, music performance, festival, or other 2024 events; a picture taken at a local park; or a shot that highlights a landmark in our city.

Photos that do not include a local element will not be considered. Additionally, photos that include nudity or offensive language or visuals will not be accepted.

Finalists will be selected by our team at the beginning of next year, and then we’ll open up a vote via the newsletter and social media after that.

If you’re ready to submit a photo, you can do that now in the asked module below.

Inspiration

Where to go

Visual inspiration can arrive anywhere, but you can also strategically position yourself for an amazing snap.

Consider attending a major summer event, checking out one of Cola’s awesome parks, taking your fur-ever friend on a hike, or even sipping a latte at a top coffee shop.

There’s beauty in so many moments. Document yours because we’d love to share your results with our readers.

Asked

Already have a photo you’d like to submit?

Submit your photos that have Columbia ties at the button below.

Hit us your best shot

Events

Monday, July 1

Music Bingo at Loveland Coffee | Monday, July 1 | 6-8 p.m. | Loveland Coffee, 7475 Carlisle St., Irmo | $10 | Participate in a patriotic-themed music bingo event.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | Monday, July 1 | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park, 1640 Freed St., Columbia | $6-$18 | 9 Innings of Giving: All fans in attendance can enter to win prizes throughout the game.*

Wednesday, July 3

Town of Blythewood’s Annual Rockin’ Red White and Blue Celebration | Wednesday, July 3 | 4-10 p.m. | Doko Meadows Park, 171 Langford Rd., Blythewood | Free | Enjoy fireworks, live music, vendors, and more.

Thursday, July 4

Lexington County Peach Festival | Thursday, July 4 | 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Gilbert Community Park, 110 Rikard Circle, Gilbert | Free | Indulge in homemade peach treats, live music, local vendors, and a day-long celebration of the peach.

Friday, July 5

Fright Night Laser Lights at the SC State Museum | Friday, July 5-Friday, Sept. 20 | 6-10 p.m. | SC State Museum, 301 Gervais St., Columbia | $10 | Enjoy special shows featuring lasers choreographed to iconic music inside the museum’s 55-ft digital dome.

Plan your week

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Number

$21.9 million — that’s the budget amount Richland County Recreation Committee approved to make capital improvements, update parks, and give pay raises. Taxes will not increase for residents. (WLTX)

Biz

Steel Hands Brewing may be planning a new location in the Vista, where Twisted Spur used to be. The brewery is not currently releasing details but may be applying for a liquor license + permits. (The State)

Civic

If you’re curious about firework use and ordinances surrounding communities, WIS News 10 staff put together a list. See the regulations for Cayce, Columbia, Irmo, Richland, Lexington, and West Columbia.

Community

What do cattle, crafts + cucumbers have in common? They can all be entered to win a blue ribbon at the state fair. Competitive exhibit submissions are now open on the SC State Fair’s website.

Edu

Columbia College announced it added cheerleading to its athletic program and will begin this fall. Coach Holly Sawyers has begun the recruitment process. (Cola Daily)

Sports

Compared to two SEC peers, there’s one stat going in Shane Beamer’s favor. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecocks with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

Holiday

🎆 It’s okay if you don’t like fireworks

How to celebrate the Fourth of July if you don’t like fireworks

Credit- Bennie Brawley -Enhanced-NR-1-2.png

The 36^th annual 4^th of July Celebration on Lake Murray firework show will be streamed on TV. | Photo by Bennie Brawley | bennie brawley

Though fireworks cause many to “ooh” and “ahh,” others aren’t keen on the echoing booms. Here are three ways to celebrate Independence Day without (or further away from) fireworks.

Did you know the annual Fourth of July Celebration on Lake Murray fireworks show can be streamed from your couch? Tune in on Thursday, July 4 to watch the broadcast show featured on WIS News Primetime at 7:30 p.m.

Irmo’s Inclusive Independence Day Celebration is coined as the biggest non-fireworks show in the area. Enjoy hot dogs, live music, and snow cones. Instead of a fireworks show, bring a blanket + cozy up for a Laser Light Show starting around 9:30 p.m.

Do activities during the day, like attending the Lexington County Peach Festival — just head home before the fireworks begin ~9 p.m. When you get home, stay indoors + turn up the TV to help drown out some residential fireworks.

The Buy

The Buy 7.01.24 (Affiliate)

A five-star rated swimsuit from Nordstrom — we like this lace-up back one-piece for an adjustable fit or this v-wire one-piece for a dipped neckline with support.

The Wrap

Samantha Robertson in a white shirt and grey vest

Today’s edition by:
Sam

From the editor

Don’t you just love it when one of your favorite bands is coming to Columbia? “Houndmouth” is coming to The Senate on Friday, Oct. 4 and tickets go on sale Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m. If you’re unfamiliar, allow me to introduce you to one of my favorite bands to listen to in high school.

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