Many Columbians would like to see the iconic Auto Wash sign preserved. | Photo by COLAtoday
The votes are in for the Columbia historical markers contest. Check out the finalists below, including the contest winner decided by your votes.
Winner: Constan Car Wash
It was a close call, but when it came down to Constan Car Wash or Villa Tronco Italian Restaurant, the choice was clear for COLAtoday readers. 36% of our readers voted for the longtime Gervais Street car wash.
Nominated by reader Chip S., he said, “Columbia’s first full-service car wash. Washed over 3.3 million vehicles. Happy the Bengal tiger lived there for 10 years until Riverbanks Zoo opened. First detail shop in South Carolina. Only Mobil 1 Lube change facility in the Midlands.”
Today, only the sign remains and the lot has been cleared. Which makes us wonder, what’s the future of the sign?
Tai Chi on Boyd Plaza | 11 a.m.-12 p.m. | Boyd Plaza, Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Pause and reflect in a drop-in tai chi session led by Bob and Cathy Brookshire.
“Nutcracker” - South Carolina Ballet | Through Sunday, Dec. 22 | Times vary | Koger Center for the Arts | $35+ | This beloved classical ballet production promises a magical evening filled with romance, adventure, and wonder.
Bierkeller Weihnachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) | 12-7 p.m. | Bierkeller Brewing Company | Free | Enjoy a cozy setting, a German-inspired Christmas market, local vendors, specialty foods, festive lights, and more.
Columbia Fashion Week Met Gala | 6:30-10:30 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | $150+ | Step into a night of whimsical couture at the 4th Annual Columbia Fashion Week Met Gala.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Holiday Market | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Azalea Coffee Bar | Free | Grab a coffee and browse this holiday market featuring a DJ and local vendors.
The BullStreet District will open The Lawn, a 3,750 sqft artificial turf play area with tiered seating, an event stage, and more, in early 2025. Plus, the Williams Building will soon be home Coastal Crust Wood-fired Pizza., located near Bennet at BullStreet + WestLawn.
Edu
Richland One approved a policy prohibiting student use of personal electronic devices during the school day, effective Tuesday, Jan. 7. Required by state law, the policy is designed to reduce distractions and foster positive learning environments under the Free to Focus SC initiative. (Cola Daily)
Closing
Bánh Mì Boys SC is selling its shop on Whaley Street but will continue operating for the next two months. Interested buyers can reach out to take over its concept or create something new.
Biz
West Columbia-based Senn Brothers Produce is expanding with a $2.9 million facility in Jasper County, creating 19 jobs. Opening in 2026, the facility will include cold storage + office space to serve the Hilton Head and Savannah markets.
Health
ElectroWire, a Lexington-based company founded by cardiologist Dr. Robert Leonardi, will begin manufacturing a device to make cardiac procedures safer and more efficient in 2025, with plans to ultimately produce several hundred thousand devices annually. The innovation will create jobs and support local suppliers like Zeus in Orangeburg.
Eat
Loveland Coffee is the newest addition to the Columbia SC Pimento Cheese Passport after winning a public vote for its Pimento Cheese Melt. The Irmo coffee shop joins 19 other local favorites, becoming the passport’s first coffee shop participant. Start your journey today.
Show
Central Carolina Comic-Con kicks off the weekend of January 11-12, at the SC State Fairgrounds, bringing celebrity guests like Gates McFadden from Star Trek: The Next Generation and John Schneider from The Dukes of Hazzard. There will be cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and fan exhibits celebrating pop culture favorites.
Listen
Can the Carolina Panthers stop their losing streak as the favorites against the visiting Dallas Cowboys? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Carolina Pantherswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Cause
Did you know? When you donate blood, you can save lives andget rewarded (think: gift cards). The Blood Connection hosts blood drives across the Midlands seven days a week, making it convenient to find a location + give back. Make an appointment.*
‘Tis the season to reflect on your year + and start making plans for 2025. Labcorp OnDemand can help you access your health info with easy lab testing you can purchase yourself. Get 20% off purchases over $100 with code 6AMCITY. (Most tests are FSA/HSA eligible.)*
We can help get you connected with the best local talent. | Graphic by 6AM City
Are you hiring? Post your open positions on our community job board + immediately get connected with qualified local candidates.
“The process is super easy and far more cost-effective than using a recruiter. We highly recommend it.” – George Campbell of Campbell Teague, Entrepreneurs at Law
While many hiring sites like Indeed and ZipRecruiter are over-saturated, 6AM City Job Board is tailored to Columbia, maximizing visibility among top local talent.
A cute custom gift under $20 — we like this custom name necklace and this minimalist personalized wallet. Personalize it just for them and watch their face light up when they open it. You’re so thoughtful.
Gamecock great and Carolina Panthers wide receiver Xavier Legette has gone viral a few times for his southern accent and Fanatics is capitalizing by turning his voice into a holiday card. Unfortunately, the cards aren’t available for purchase. Boo. If you can’t get enough of that Pee Dee accent, hear him in his latest viral moment talk about eating raccoon.
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