Joyful Alternative was originally located at 2009 Greene St. | Courtesy of Richland Library.
Today, we’re turning the page on year eight of COLAtoday — and what better way to celebrate than by diving into the past?
To mark the milestone, City Editor David rounded up eight standout local history stories, including presidential visits, hidden muses, beloved shops, and even submerged towns.
A historic marker honoring Hettie Anderson was installed in April, 2023 near her birthplace in Columbia, SC. | Photo by COLAtoday
What “Famously Hot” looked like in 1956 | From sleeping porches to Vienna sausage-pineapple waffles, this story dives into how Soda Citizens stayed cool before A/C.
A history lesson on Columbia’s first public high school | Spanning 150 years of progress, this story traces the high school’s journey from one-room schoolhouses to a hub for award-winning journalists and Olympic coaches.
Remembering the Joyful Alternative | Over two decades since its closing, The Joyful Alternative’s legacy as Columbia’s counter-culture hub for candles, Kerouac, and community still lingers on Saluda Avenue.
First Thursday on Main | 6 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | Stop by the Artist Market in the Arcade Mall and celebrate poetry month in Boyd Plaza.
Friday, April 4
Richland County Master Gardener Association Annual Plant Sale | 9 a.m.-4 p.m. | Clemson Sandhill Research Center | Price of purchase | This fundraiser is blooming with plants for sale, including perennials, annuals, houseplants, shrubs, and succulents.
South Carolina Gamecocks Softball vs. Ole Miss | Friday, April 4-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | Carolina Softball Stadium At Beckham Field | $12 | Come out and support the No. 2 ranked team in the nation.
EGG-Cessible Egg Hunt | 6-7 p.m. | Leo’s Landing Inclusive Playground | $3 | This sensory-friendly, inclusive egg hunt lets people search for candy-filled eggs in a welcoming environment with fewer stimuli.
Saturday, April 5
Columbia International Festival | Saturday, April 5-Sunday, April 6 | Times vary | SC State Fairgrounds | $10 | The event brings all of the area’s international communities together showcasing music, culture, food and performing arts.
13th Annual Herb Festival | 9 a.m.-3 p.m. | The Lexington Museum, Lexington | Free | Come and buy plants, take free herb classes, and shop local vendors.
The Fireflies kick off a six-game homestand against the Charleston RiverDogs on April 8 at 7:05 p.m. | Photo provided by Columbia Fireflies
David Noworyta is stepping into his first managerial role with the Columbia Fireflies — but he’sno stranger to baseball. He played in high school, competed at the University of Hawaii, and joined the Detroit Tigers’ minor league before the COVID-19 pandemic ended his playing career.
Instead of giving up, Noworyta jumped into coaching, climbing from assistant hitting coach to bench coach for the Omaha Storm Chasers. Now, at 28, he’s leading the Fireflies into their 2025 season.
Fun fact: His dad was the Phillies’ Special Assistant to Player Development during their 2008 World Series win.
Mitch Maier, Director of Player Development for the Kansas City Royals, praised Noworyta for his “care for the players, curiosity to keep growing and learning, and passion to develop players.” Sounds like a strong leader, to us.
City Limits Barbeque is on fire — again. Pitmaster Robbie Robinson is a James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Southeast for the second year running. The weekend-only West Columbia spot blends Texas + Carolina ‘cue. It’s no secret to us, you voted it the best Midlands spot in our BBQ Bracket. (The State)
Development
Columbia City Council lifted the 75-ft height cap in most of the Vista District to encourage riverfront growth and a convention center hotel. Height limits remain near neighborhoods like Granby Mills and at Gervais + Huger. (The Post and Courier)
Traffic
West Columbia plans to revitalize U.S. Highway 1 with three projects, including a road diet and safety upgrades, aiming to improve aesthetics, pedestrian access, and property values. The city council will vote on hiring Conduit Planning to design the transformation. (The State)
Edu
The Columbia International Festival opens with Global Education Day on Friday, April 4, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Students can explore cultures from 113 exhibitors representing 113 countries, with support from Edventure, Riverbanks Zoo, Lutheran Services, and USC’s College of Education.
Arts
A train-stopping new mural by David Falter is being installed in the Vista’s 1100 block of Park Street. Featuring a conductor and local artist Laura Spong, the portrait honors the district’s evolution from industrial past to cultural hub present.
Sports
An SEC team offered Collin Murray-Boyles $2.5 million to transfer. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Gamecockswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Concert
This Tuesday, April 8, the music of Led Zeppelin is coming to the Koger Center. Think: “Stairway to Heaven,” “Kashmir,” and more classics turned up to 11 with the sweeping power of the South Carolina Philharmonic. Learn more and snag tickets.*
Featured Deal
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History
Visit the Colonial Village during Tartan Day South on Saturday, April 5, at the Historic Columbia Speedway. Coordinated by the Cayce Historical Museum, the village brings Revolutionary War history to life with activities like brick-making, sweet grass basket weaving, sword demonstrations, and more. Buy tickets.*
Tech
Invest in award-winning AI-powered marketing technology. With 12+ years of research behind them, RAD Intel is backed by Adobe and Fidelity and trusted by Hasbro, Skechers, and Sweetgreen. Join 6,000+ investors and get $0.55 per share (before prices change next Thursday, April 10).†*
The Big MO peach on Field 1, where the concession stands are. | Photo by COLAtoday team
Columbia’s creativity was on full display this week as local spots served up pranks with a side of Midlands mischief. Here are a few April Fools’ jokes that had us doing double-takes.
The Big Mo dropped a “momentous announcement” right at midnight — it’s expanding to four new regional cities: MOncks Corner, SC; MOuntain Rest, SC; MOnroe, GA; and MOoresville, NC.
Banh Mi Boys introduced an “all egg white” egg roll — a faux secret menu item served with fish sauce ranch. The kicker? They actually made one and took a bite.
BullStreet District got our goatwith news of a rooftop goat studio and a lazy river circling Segra Park. We’re not mad about the river idea.
Columbia Metropolitan Airport teased pay-what-you-want international flightsto places like Copenhagen, NY; Athens, OH; and Paris, TX.
The Buy
The Buy
Chic drawstring denim pants. The roomy, straight-leg design keeps these jeans comfortable and casual, while the drawstring cinch ensures they fit snugly around your waist. Bonus: Shop this Madewell version.
On Tuesday, I took the day off to attend the Credit One Charleston Open and was greeted by a local surprise: a “Trophiary” installation by Columbia topiary artist Michael “Gibby Siz” Gibson. You’ve likely seen his work around town at spots like the State Museum and Earlewood Park. Cut back to my interview with him, where we talked about how he weaves storytelling into his landscape art.
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