Inbox besties? Yes, please. Add us to your contacts so we don’t get stuck in email purgatory. Snap a screenshot once we’re in and send it over — we love knowing we made the cut. Need a how-to? We got you.
Event Spotlight
Get ready for music, food, fireworks, and fun at this annual event.
Photo provided by Columbia Fireflies.
If you like your fireworks with a side of classical music, you’re in luck. The SC Philharmonic returns to Segra Park on Wednesday, July 2 at 8 p.m. for its annual patriotic concert, featuring crowd favorites and a fireworks finale timed to the “1812 Overture” around 9:15 p.m.
Concessions will be open, the Kids Zone will be active, and seats in the bowl are $10 — so throw on some red, white, and blue and settle in for a night of stars and stripes under the stadium lights.
Events
Events
Monday, June 30
Stargazing | 9 p.m. | USC, Melton Observatory | Free | Weather permitting, anyone is welcome to come by and observe through the 16-inch Cassegrain telescope.
Tuesday, July 1
Silent Book Club | 6-8 p.m. | Graduate Hotel | Free | Join likeminded literary lovers for this book club where you actually read in comfortable, silent bliss.
Wednesday, July 2
Book and Material Donation Days | 12-6 p.m. | Richland Library Operations Center | Free | Donate your old books, CDs, and DVDs to the Richland Library Friends and Foundation.
Thursday, July 3
First Thursday | 6 p.m. | Main Street District | Free | There will be no official programming in Boyd Plaza, but Main Street businesses will stay open late.
Friday, July 4
Independence Day Celebration | Hilton Field at Fort Jackson | Free | Celebrate the Fourth of July with live music, food trucks, amusement rides, and fireworks.
Rush’s is scratching the crinkle cut. After hearing the fry frenzy from customers, the local chain is bringing back its original fries on Friday, July 18. The announcement came with a “Baby, Come Back” video and a message: “We were wrong, baby.”
Traffic
SCDOT will close parts of Harden Street nightly from 7 p.m.-4 a.m., starting tomorrow through Friday, July 4, for pavement striping. Detours will be posted, and weather may impact the schedule. (WIS)
Ranked
No. 16. That’s where Columbia Metropolitan Airport ranked on The Washington Post’s list of the top 50 airports in the US. The publication analyzed feedback from 2,300+ of its readers to craft the list. “Turns out, bigger isn’t better,” it wrote.
Award
Oliver Gospel Roastery was named Best Coffeehouse in the Midlands by The Guide to South Carolina. Opened in 2020, the coffee shop helps fund Oliver Gospel’s mission, which provided 80,000+ meals and 36,000+ safe shelter nights last year.
Weather
Rain, rain — has made the state’s drought status go away. A SCDNR committee says no Palmetto State counties are in a drought. Rainfall totals ranging from 10 to 15 inches over the last 60 days have returned us to “normal” status. (WCSC)
Mansion Monday
Nestled on an ~8-acre gated estate in Wildewood, this French Provincial-style home blends craftsmanship with privacy. The main level has a large kitchen, solarium, and patio leading to a pool with lake views.
Home
What’s a 10/1 or 5/5 ARM — and why is everyone talking about them? These Adjustable Rate Mortgages could save you money upfront, but they’re not one-size-fits-all. AllSouth breaks down what you need to know before you buy. Equal Housing Lender.*
Cause
It’s Freedom Week, so now’s a great time to give back and make a powerful impact in Columbia. Now through Saturday, July 5, donate blood with The Blood Connection to help meet the urgent needs of local hospitals facing summer trauma surges. Sign up, save lives, and earn rewards.*
Environment
Pet waste isn’t just a backyard issue — it carries triple the bacteria of human waste. When left behind, rain can wash it into local waterways, polluting our environment and harming wildlife. Keep your community clean and safe:Trash the Poop.*
Community
Uh-oh, short-staffed again? Don’t sweat it — the COLAtoday Job Board has your back. Post your job, reach awesome local talent, and get that role filled fast. Oh, and did we mention it’s totally free? Yep, like zero dollars.
We’ve got all the Fourth of July essentials you need and won’t immediately throw away after the holiday. (Think: Family-friend games you can play all summer long, a reusable + safe alternative to fireworks, and grill accessories that last). Buy these items today for the chance for them to arrive before the holiday.
🍖 Get the grill ready with this scouring stone that cleans better and faster than a brush.
🔥 Speaking of the grill, trade your old pocket lighter for this windproof one.
🎆 This light up bubble blower serves as a safe, kid-friendly replacement for fireworks.
🇺🇸 This red, white, and blue reusable tablecloth is stain-resistant and waterproof.
☀️ No summer holiday is complete without a fun backyard game like Spikeball or lifesize Jenga.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
When “Jaws” opened in Columbia on June 20, 1975, a line wrapped around Dutch Square Movie Theater to see the Steven Spielberg thriller. Now it’s turning 50, and returns to theaters on Friday, Aug. 29. Stay tuned for local showings.
}})
