Believe us when we say we love the Columbia skyline. | Photo via COLAtoday
It’s April Fools’ Day, and don’t worry, we’re not trying to pull any pranks on you. While we’ve seen our share of fake headlines in Columbia over the years, these ones seemed stranger than fiction — except they were real stories that took place in Columbia + SC.
Rudolph captured from the State House
During the 1953 holiday season, someone tried to steal Christmas from the State House — a few years before the Grinch stole Christmas in Dr. Seuss’ book. A statue of the red-nosed reindeer was taken, leaving Santa without a guide for his sleigh, though we haven’t seen any reports indicating that Santa didn’t find his way to Columbia that year.
Bart Simpson backs elementary school name
In 1994, students in Greenwood were able to pick the name of a newly built school, and they landed on Springfield Elementary, a tribute to the popular cartoon “The Simpsons.” Bart Simpson commented by telling concerned parents to relax and stated, “At least they didn’t call it Beavis & Butthead Elementary.”
Which unbelievable law is a real law in South Carolina?
A. Fried potatoes over 2 ounces cannot be called French fries B. Children under 18 cannot play pinball C. Coins may not be used on scratch-off tickets D. Playground slides may not be steeper than a 15° angle
Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join like-minded literary lovers for this book club where you actually read in comfortable, silent bliss.
The Open Book 2025: Vinson Cunningham | 6 p.m. | USC Campus Room, Capstone Building | Free | The author + The New Yorker writer discusses his acclaimed debut novel “Great Expectations.”
Conner Smith + Dylan Marlowe | 6:30 p.m. | The Senate | $35 | The country star signed to Big Machine Records is joined by the “Boys Back Home” singer.
Thursday, April 3
Woodinville Whiskey Dinner | 6:30-10 p.m. | City Roots Farm | $95 | Start the night off by tasting whiskeys followed by a three-course meal + cocktails by Bourbon’s chef and owner Kristian Niemi.
Disney On Ice presents “Frozen” + “Encanto” | Thursday, April 3-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Colonial Life Arena | $20+ | Mickey and Minnie host this dual Disney ice show where Elsa and Mirabel glide through their stories.
What will United Way accomplish in the next 100 years?
Presented by United Way of the Midlands
United Way of the Midlands has worked to create lasting change in our community for 100 years — and counting. | Photos provided by United Way of the Midlands
Now, as they celebrate 100 years of impact, their work continues to shape a stronger future for the Midlands.
The impact
Midlands Reading Consortium | Helping kids develop a love of reading while also introducing them to STEM education
Creating affordable housing | Supporting innovative solutions to housing instability, like turning the Grand Motel into 40 affordable homes
Disaster relief | Distributing food and water to communities affected by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Katrina
Youth programs | Launching initiatives like Young Men United and building the Arthurtown Child Development Center with the help of volunteers to improve educational outcomes for children in at-risk neighborhoods
Yesterday, the SC Forestry Commission lifted the statewide burn ban in most counties, including Richland + Lexington. Weather conditions have improved in the majority of the state, lowering the risk of wildfires. Locals must still follow state guidance and contact SCFC before conducting any burns. (WLTX)
Announced
Columbia officials addressed concerns over the 40-ft “Busted Plug” sculpture that was “safely and properly relocated” to private property in 2023. The city does not anticipate the sculpture’s storage will cause issues because it was designed to be situated outdoors, but is exploring options for a new, permanent location.
Civic
The County Treasurer’s Office wants to make paying real estate taxes less taxing. The department is launching a web-based program so locals can make payments online with credit cards or electronic checks by entering a planned payment contract. Online payments are optional, and all other methods will remain valid.
Closing
Random Tap in Elgin will have its last call on Sunday, April 13, but the owners won’t be tapping out of the Spears Creek Church Road space. Following Random Tap’s closure, a new concept named Eatery 117 will move in, offering breakfast and brunch dishes. It’s expected to debut in mid-May. (The Post and Courier)
Show
Township Auditorium is getting ready to laugh. Podcast host and comedian Tom Segura — who just released a trailer for his new Netflix show — will bring his “Come Together” tour to the venue on Saturday, Dec. 6. General public tickets will go on sale this Friday, April 4, 10 a.m.
Plan Ahead
Columbia’s Community Development Department is throwing itself a 50th anniversary party. Its 2025 Community Development Week will take place Monday, April 21 through Friday, April 25. The programs will celebrate the milestone with community-focused events, ending with a block party on the final day.
Sports
Relive the fourth quarter effort that helped Gamecocks women’s basketball earn a spot in the Final Four. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the South Carolina Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Active
Ready, set, race. The Governor’s Cup Road Race, sponsored by Publix, is happening Friday, April 11-Saturday, April 12. You can run a half-marathon, 5K, or 1-mile loop down Main Street. Kids 12 and under can join the kids’ mile run for free. Learn more + register.*
Featured Apartment
Take a tour of Brookland, an award-winning, riverfront community in the heart of WeCo’s River District. Enjoy city views from floor-to-ceiling windows, plus rooftop access and resort-style amenities. Bonus: Receive a $500 move-in credit with code COLATODAY2025 when you lease by April 30.*
Community
Rise Fitness + Wellness is turning three, and the celebration lasts all April (think: giveaways, special events, and more). Want to stay in the loop?Follow the Rise Instagram to stay up to date — plus, it’s the perfect time to try a class.*
Category
Community
🪶 Shall we pose an introduction?
Jennifer Bartell Boykin was named Columbia’s second Poet Laureate. | Photo by Lester Boykin
April is National Poetry Month, but did you know that Columbia is one of only a few Southern cities that recognize the position of Poet Laureate?
Jennifer Bartell Boykin entered the four-year role in 2022 after being chosen by One Columbia for Arts and Culture and the City of Columbia. In the position, she promotes an appreciation of poetry while acting as a spokesperson for poets and writers in Soda City.
Jennifer’s roots run deep in the Columbia community. She is originally from Johnsonville, SC, and for most of her career she’s been an English teacher at Spring Valley High School. She also participated in works with Dr. Ed Madden — Columbia’s inaugural Poet Laureate.
I can’t believe it’s already April, and apparently, it’s Canine Fitness Month. It can be hard to keep track of all of these observances, but as a dog lover, I’ll use this as an excuse to make more visits to our dog parks.
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