The azaleas around the Melton Observatory begin to bloom | Photo by COLAtoday
Did you know that Cola ranks as the No. 15 city in the US as the most challenging place to live for spring allergy sufferers, according to the Allergy and Asthma Foundation of America?
At this point, you’ve probably used your car’s windshield wipers at least once to clear off a dusting of yellow pollen. Like the past few years, pollen season got an early start in the Midlands.
The pine + cedar pollen that turns everything in sight yellow isn’t typically the pollen that flares allergies. It’s the pollen you can’t see from at least 18 other common SC trees that cause symptoms like itchy and watery eyes, sneezing, nasal congestion + asthma.
Pollen breakdown
What is it anyway? It is a fine to coarse powder containing the reproductive cells of seed plants.
In spring, tree pollen peaks, followed by grass pollen in the summer and ragweed pollen in the fall.
The McNair Conversations: Michael Stipe | 6-7:30 p.m. | Koger Center for the Arts | Free with registration | The former lead singer of R.E.M. will deliver his speech about the impacts he’s made on the American South.
“The Seed of the Sacred Fig” | 6:30 p.m. | The Nick | $12 | Watch and discuss this Persian film as part of the Nick’s Reel Talk series.
Thursday, March 20
Free Seed Packets and Lemonade | 9 a.m.-5 p.m. | Columbia Visitors Center | Free | Stop by for free seeds, a sweet drink, and a little surprise for the kids while supplies last.
“Cowboy Bebop LIVE” | 7 p.m. | The Senate | $30+ | The Bebop Bounty Big Band brings the anime’s soundtrack to life with a high-octane jazz performance from a 14-piece ensemble.
Friday, March 21
Food Truck Friday and Blood Drive | 10 a.m.-3 p.m. | REI parking lot | Price of purchase | The Blood Connection will host a mobile blood drive alongside Fresh Pours & Mo’, Smoke It Up, Snacks & Things, and Tacos Oink Oink.
NCAA Women’s Basketball Round 1 | 1:30 + 4 p.m. | Colonial Life Arena | $30+ | Watch Utah take on Indiana in the first game, followed by the Gamecocks vs. Tennessee Tech.
Bierkeller Bockfest | Friday, March 21-Saturday, March 22 | 4-9 p.m. | Bierkeller | Free | Celebrate the return of Keller Season with fresh beer, food, live music, and even a goat petting zoo at this German-inspired fest.
Sunday, April 6
Cocktail Class- Smoked | 6:30-7:30 p.m. | Smoked | Head downstairs in Smoked’s speakeasy, “The Burnline” to embark on your mixology journey.*
Regular colon health screenings are an essential preventative health care step. | Photo provided by Prisma Health
March is Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and excluding skin cancers, colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. Overall, the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer is ~1 in 24 for men and ~1 in 26 for women.
For this month’s installment of Prisma Health On Call, we’re connecting you, our readers, to Prisma Health colon health experts who are ready to answer your questions about colon health, colorectal cancer, screenings, and more.
Devine Street’s on-street parking woes may soon see a solution. A $5 million improvement plan aims to fix tight parking that forces drivers onto sidewalks. With $3.5 million secured, officials are gathering input before finalizing plans. (Post and Courier)
Development
The former Lexington Two School District building in West Columbia will transform into Brookland Commons, a 55+ retirement community opening in 2027. Led by Still Hopes, it will emphasize resident-driven programs, wellness, and social engagement. (Cola Daily)
Biz
The contest to find the “Coolest Thing Made in SC” is down to four, and Sleep Number’s ClimateCool Smartbed is lying in wait for the crown. The high-tech bed, made in Richland County, competes against fiber optic cable, an airplane, and a seltzer brand.
Community
Richland County is set to receive HUD funding and seeks public input on how to spend it. Residents can weigh in on housing, community development, and homelessness programs at meetings starting tomorrow. (WLTX)
Concert
Four R&B powerhouses will hit all the right notes at Colonial Life Arena on Friday, May 16. Chaka Khan, Patti LaBelle, Gladys Knight, and Stephanie Mills will bring their iconic voices to the “4 Legends, One Stage” tour. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. this Friday, March 21.
Sports
Clemson Faces a huge test in round one of the NCAA tournament without Dillon Hunter. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Clemson Tigerswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Plan Ahead
Get your stretchy pants ready. The Southern Roots BBQ Reunion returns Saturday, April 12 at Trailblazer Park in Travelers Rest, SC (a ~2-hour drive from Columbia). Enjoy smoky ribs, tender pulled pork, and juicy brisket from 35+ pitmasters, plus live music, craft drinks, and an artisan market. Meat us there.*
Health
Did you know? Endometriosis affects 1 in 10 women, but it’s often misunderstood. Get the facts about this condition + learn how to manage it.*
Find candidates who want to work right here, right now. | Gif by 6AM City
Small business owners, employers, and hiring managers — we understand that finding the right candidate can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. That’s why we designed COLAtoday Job Board to reduce hiring barriers and seamlessly connect you with top local talent.
To get started, create an account and post your first listing for free — it takes less than five minutes. Bonus: Level up your listing with a Featured Job Post and your job will be featured right here in the COLAtoday newsletter.
Richland Library’s “Overdue” is making a comeback Friday, March 28, as part of Read Freely Fest’s opening night. Expect after-hours fun with live music, food, and activities as it returns after a pause for escalator upgrades. Here’s a look at the last one.
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