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Go mini-golfing

Paddle party

Party animals

Cruise the open water

• Page Turners Book Group | Tuesday, Sept. 24 | 6-7 p.m. | Richland Library North Main | Free | Join in for a book group discussion of this month’s title, “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig.
• Prosecco Tuesdays | Tue., Sep. 24 | 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Grill Marks - COLA, 711 Gervais St. | Bring on the bubbly, COLA. Enjoy $2 glasses of Prosecco every Tuesday — perfect for a midweek treat or fun night out with friends.*

• Morning Yoga on Boyd Plaza | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 9:30-10:30 a.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Begin your day with a gentle and restorative yoga session on Boyd Plaza.
• USC Fall Literary Festival | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6 p.m. | Campus Room, Capstone Hall | Free | This book reading + signing features two-time National Book Award-winning novelist and MacArthur Genius Grant recipient Jesmyn Ward.
• Comedy + Beer at Old Mill Brewpub | Wednesday, Sept. 25 | 6:30-9 p.m. | Old Mill Brewpub, Lexington | $15 | Laugh along with SC comedians and get there early to order pre-show food.

• Book Donation Day | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 2-5 p.m. | Irmo Branch Library | Free | Books may be dropped off curbside at the side entrance to the library, where Friends volunteers will assist in unloading.
• Book Talk + Signing | Thursday, Sept. 26 | 6:30-9 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Join All Good Book for a book talk and signing with Rickey Smiley for his new book “Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith.”

• Saluda Shoals fall Jazz Series | Friday, Sept. 27 | 7-9:30 p.m. | Saluda Shoals Park | $12+ | The live jazz outdoors on the deck features Reggie Sullivan and the Congaree Saints.

• Savage Craft Oktoberfest - Axes and Ale | Saturday, Sept. 28 | 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. | Savage Craft Ale Works, West Columbia | Free | Feast on a German-themed menu featuring smoked turkey legs and other traditional favorites.

• First Thursday on Main at Hotel Trundle | Thursday, Oct. 3 | 6-9 p.m. | Hotel Trundle | Free | Experience an unforgettable evening with live music, drinks, and a celebratory champagne toast as the hotel honors its recent awards and Hotel Trundle Day in the lobby.*

• Trick-or-treating throughout the zoo
• Rides on the Haunted Carousel + Spooky Spots and Stripes Railroad
• Boogie dance parties with the Eeky Freaky DJ and performances by Ray’s Moonlight Magic

• WIS-TV legend Joe Pinner, beloved for his joyful personality and “Mr. Knozit” show, passed away at 89. Tributes and heartfelt messages from Craig Melvin, Leeza Gibbons, and many more are pouring in online. (WIS)

• Fingers crossed for milder temps. The Gamecocks will host No. 5 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5, televised on ESPN. This marks the first matchup in Columbia since 2009. (Gamecocks Online)

• Las Vegas Aces star + Cola native A’ja Wilson was named the 2024 WNBA MVP. This is her third time winning the award. She’s the first unanimous MVP since 1997 + set multiple records this season, including the highest single-season scoring average. (CBS Sports)

• O’Hara’s Bakery Cafe in downtown Lexington has temporarily closed after five years on E. Main Street. Owner Matt O’Hara announced the closure on Facebook, citing the need to find a sustainable business model. O’Hara’s nearby Irish pub remains open. (The State)

• Onelife Fitness acquired five Columbia-area MUV Fitness locations, excluding West Columbia. The company plans to invest $6 million in renovations. Membership costs and staff will remain unchanged during the upgrades. (The Post and Courier)

• West Columbia, Lexington, and the Joint Municipal Water and Sewer Commission are addressing taste and odor issues in Lake Murray water. A $40 million ozonation system will be installed to improve water quality, with solutions expected by fall 2027. (WLTX)

• Led by QB Andy Dalton, the re-energized Carolina Panthers trounced the Las Vegas Raiders. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Panthers with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
  

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• Young Professional of the Year: Shayla Merritt, Cyberwoven (Sponsored by Founders Federal Credit Union)
• Joe Taylor Public Servant Award: Nikki Setzler, SC State Senator (Sponsored by Prisma Health)
• Diplomat of the Year: Terry Judy, Gatlic Group (Sponsored by Mark Anthony Brewing)
• Military Advocate of the Year: Jennifer Harding, ESGR (Sponsored by Dominion Energy)
• Ambassador of the Year: Keller Kissam, Dominion Energy (Sponsored by Colonial Life)
• Partner of the Year: Hollow Creek Distillery