The Paris 2024 Olympics run from Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.| Photo by Erin McPherson, 6AM City
Light the torch and cue that iconic Olympics theme song — we’re ready for the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics happening Friday, July 26 to Sunday, Aug. 11.
At this summer’s Olympic Games, approximately 10,500 athletes from 206 National Olympic Committees will compete across 32 sports — including some new ones. Since we’re all about keeping it local, we’ve rounded up nine Paris 2024 Olympians with ties to Columbia, SC that you should keep your eye on. Let the Games begin.
Does she even need an introduction? A’ja Wilson is from Columbia + a USC alum (and legend.). TIME named her one of the 100 Most Influential People of 2024, and along with being an Olympian, she’s also an author, writing the book “Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You.” Wilson is currently working on The A’One shoe, created by Nike, that will launch next year.
Canyon Barry played for the College of Charleston from 2013-2016 + the University of Florida from 2016-2017. Fun Fact — he’s known for using the underhand “granny throw’ in his free throws — a move his dad, Hall of Famer Rick Barry, was also known for.
Ellen Geddes is from Aiken, SC, and graduated from Presbyterian College in 2010. Geddes competed in the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics and aims to medal this year during the 2024 Paris Paralympics.
Emma Navarro’s hometown is Charleston and recently made a run at the Wimbledon title. Navarro also played college tennis at the University of Virginia.
Gladys’ Gang Preschool Edition: It’s Only Natural | Wednesday, July 17 | 10-11 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art, 1515 Main St., Columbia | Free | Gladys’ Gang is designed for 4-to-5-year-old participants and their adult companions as a way to explore art through play and inquiry.
For the Love of Gardening | Wednesday, July 17 | 6-7 p.m. | Richland Library Blythewood, Meeting Room 218 McNulty St., Blythewood | Free | Stop by this informal meet-up where you can bring your gardening questions and share tips and tricks.
Thursday, July 18
Flower Cutting | Thursday, July 18 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | The Carriage House at Robert Mills, 1616 Blanding St., Columbia | $35-$45 | Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, hone your floral design skills and receive expert tips on selecting, preparing, and caring for cut flowers.
Five After Five | Thursday, July 18 | Five Points, Columbia | Free | Enjoy a free concert series that transforms ordinary Thursday evenings into lively, musical extravaganza.
Meeting Street Artisan Market - Summer Series | Thursday, July 18 | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, 425 Meeting St., West Columbia | Free | For a boutique shopping experience, park, play, shop, eat, and explore the Meeting Street Artisan Market.
Friday, July 19
2024 Wild Summer Nights Online Auction | Friday, July 19-Sunday, July 21 | Times vary | SC Wildlife Federation, Online auction, Columbia | Free | Whether you are planning your next vacation, event, outdoor adventure, or are looking for a uniquely wonderful gift, there are items for everyone.
Sunset on the Shoals | Friday, July 19, Friday, Aug. 9 | 6-8 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Old Bush River Rd., Columbia | $47 | Enjoy an interpretive paddle tour on the Saluda River and learn about the unique history of the area followed by a wine tasting.
Don’t miss the chance to ask Prisma Health’s elite sport specialists your questions. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
Did you know? Prisma Health is the official provider for some of the Midlands’ fan-favorite sports teams. Think: The Columbia Fireflies and the USC Gamecocks.
The orthopedic specialists at Prisma Health are on your team, too, ready to give you and your family the same excellent care they provide these top athletes.
So, for this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call, we’re connecting readers to expert providers who are here, on call, and ready to answer your orthopedics questions related to topics like:
Fall 2025 is when the permitting phase will likely begin for the pedestrian bridge set to cross over the Saluda River. The bridge is still in the design phase and construction has not begun. (The Post and Courier)
Concert
The force is strongwith the SC Philharmonic. The Koger Center is bringing “Star Wars: A New Hope” in concert on Sunday, Aug. 25. Star Wars fans can watch the movie + listen to a live symphonic musical score performed during the film. Tickets start at $15.
Drink Up
Drink Up Week — a celebration of our city’s vibrant beverage culture — is coming up quickly from Monday, July 22 to Friday, July 26. We asked local businesses to join the fun by sharing drink deals; check out this map of promos that are poppin’ just for the occasion.
Plan Ahead
The 17th annual Palmetto Peanut Boil will take place on Saturday, Sept. 28 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Devine Street District. Y’all know the drill — the best boiled peanut recipes + cooks compete to be crowned as local champions. Register your team.
Arts
New mural alert. Michael Geddings, a Lexington-based artist, just completed a new mural on the side of Mrs. Goodfoot’s in Cayce. The mural took ~30 hours to paint + depicts a lion with a splinter in its paw and a mouse helping to take it out. (Lexington Chronicle)
Sports
Hear about the state of the Carolina Panthers’ Defense — how will Ejiro Evero’s new look defense fare in 2024? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Sleigh bells ring, are you listening? It’s Christmas in July, and we’re celebrating by gifting new and returning advertisers with special promotions to get your message in front of our readers. Get in touch to learn more (read: open your present).
The Grinch is back with some pretty mean cocktails. | Photos provided by Boku Kitchen + Saloon
Imagine this: The Grinch, Jimmy Buffet, Bob Marley, and The Beach Boys open a bar. That’s the vibe of How the Grinch Stole Summer, a tropical Christmas in July pop up at Boku Kitchen + Saloon.
Now through Wednesday, July 31, enjoy a festive lunch or dinner featuring:
Today is National Hot Dog Day and if you start craving a dog around lunchtime, Philly Pretzel Factory in Rosewood is offering $1 pretzel dogs all day. Pro tip — you can get one free pretzel dog when you use its app. Still hungry? Check out eight spots to grab a hot dog in Cola.
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