Happy Saturday, Cola — David here. 2017 was the last year there wasn’t a Gamecock Football game during the SC State Fair, so there’ll be no scramble for parking this year. The only thing that will feel scrambled is your tummy after a Daley’s Dog, lemonade, and a swift spin on the Wave Swinger.
Top Stories
Progress update on restoring the Columbia Canal | Since the historic flooding in 2015, the Columbia Canal has needed repairs. The City of Columbia + Columbia Water held a briefing to share how the restoration will be done by December 2027.
Soda City Market | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Free | Find everything to satisfy your brain, body, and belly — and made with love by local vendors.
Accessibility Morning — Trick or Treat | 9-11 a.m. | South Carolina State Museum | Free | This program provides free access for families of children, teenagers, young adults, and adults who would benefit from a quieter, sensory-friendly, and disability-adapted experience at the museum.
Artist Pop-Up | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Columbia Visitors Center | Free | The Columbia Visitors Center, while working with One Columbia, will host both Andrea St. Jean and Mark Dreher, Jr. for its Saturday Artist Pop-Up.
South Carolina State Fair | Wednesday, Oct. 9-Sunday, Oct. 20 | 12-9 p.m. | South Carolina State Fairgrounds | $10+ | It’s opening day for the SC State Fair — get ready to grub.
Sunday, Oct. 13
Fall Fido Festival | 1-4 p.m. | Melvin Park, Chapin | $5+ | With photo ops, games, vendors, shopping, food trucks, demonstrations, adoptions, raffles and so much more, it’s the perfect way to spend a Sunday in October.
SC Pride Tea Dance | 3 p.m. | The Woody on Main | $25 | Kick off Pride Week with an afternoon of fun celebrating the tea dance culture from the past, while raising money for Famously Hot SC Pride’s initiatives and events.
The second location of No Name Deli is now open on Forest Drive near Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar. The City of Forest Acres will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Oct. 29 at 9:30 a.m. This location will be open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. + offer patio seating.
Real Estate
The corner space at 1441 Main St., across from the Columbia Museum of Art is opening for lease this fall — perfect for retail or a restaurant with outdoor dining. The space is currently occupied by a Wells Fargo branch and will be closing in November. What would you like to see here?
Development
The Irmo Town Council is revisiting plans for the $65 million “Water Walk” development along Lake Murray. The project includes 500-550 homes, a commercial area, and a walking village. A public hearing for the second reading is scheduled for Tuesday, Oct. 15. (WLTX)
Number
$2.94. That’s how much a gallon of gas costs in SC right now. Read more about the cost of living in Columbia, including the median household income, and average cost of healthcare and groceries.
Travel
Want to make sure your next vacation takes off without a hitch? Check out our guide to The Columbia Metropolitan Airport(CAE) for a full food rundown and to know just how early you should arrive to get through security. Bon voyage.
Plan Ahead
It’s finally fall, meaning our calendars are packed with events like Jam Room Music Festival. Find more fun near you this season with our ultimate guide to Cola’s top happenings. We’ll see you there.
Sports
What are the Hurricanes Metro Division season prediction? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Hurricaneswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
City Guide
Lettuce talk about farmers markets
Farmers markets in Columbia
Soda City Market happens year-round, no matter the weather. | Photo via @roadtripsandrollercoasters
Get ready to fill up your reusable shopping bags with fruits and veggies, Soda City.
In the spirit of supporting all things local, we’ve rounded up 10 farmers markets in the Columbia area where you’ll find fresh food, live music, and local vendors.
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