The African American History Monument at the State House depicts scenes of “Africans’ and African Americans’ enslavement, emancipation, struggle for civil rights, and contemporary achievements.” | Image via @capehartj
Juneteenth is this Thursday, June 19. Now in its ninth year, the South Carolina Juneteenth Freedom Fest is marking the occasion with a full week of events, culminating in a Main Street parade and celebration on Saturday, June 21. Here’s a breakdown of Juneteenth events happening this week:
Event lineup
Juneteenth at the CMA | Thursday, June 19 | 10 a.m.-8 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Join guided tours of both exhibitions at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., led by Dr. Nancy Tolson, CMA commissioner and USC’s Assistant Director of African American Studies.
Family Storytime | Thursday, June 19 | 10-10:45 a.m. | Richland Library Cooper | Bring the family to celebrate Juneteenth through special story books.
South Carolina Juneteenth Freedom Fest |Through Saturday, June 21 | Various Locations | This weeklong celebration honors Juneteenth with panels, workshops, and community events, closing with a parade and block party downtown.
EdVenture’s Mascot Meetup | 10 a.m. | EdVenture Children’s Museum | $13 | Meet mascots like Cocky and Mason, snap a photo, and receive a commemorative book for autographs. Summer Book Club | 6:30 p.m. | All Good Books | Free | Join Julie and Lauren for a summer full of fun, fellowship, and conversation around a different book each month.
Wednesday, June 18
Library Antique Roadshow | 6-7 p.m. | Pelion Branch Library, Pelion | Free | Holli McGee from McGee Auction and Appraisal Services will present a short program and appraise items from the first fifteen program attendees.
Friday, June 20
Brittany M. Watkins’ Exhibition | 6:30-8:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | Celebrate the opening of “Material Malady,” a solo exhibition featuring mixed-media paintings, sculptures, and a new large-scale installation.
Saturday, June 21
Shrimp and Grits Fest | 6-9 p.m. | Seawell’s | $50 | Sample your way through endless shrimp and grits while local restaurants battle for bragging rights — and your vote.
Valley Maker with Bizner | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Indah Coffee | $20 | Columbia-based songwriter Austin Crane — the songwriter and voice behind Valley Maker — returns for a hometown show.
The Gamecock women’s track team finished seventh at the NCAA Outdoor Championships — their best since 2006 — led by JaMeesia Ford, who won the 200m and earned three first-team All-American honors. The men’s team finished 23rd. (Gamecocks Online)
Coming Soon
La Fogata, a Midlands-based Mexican restaurant chain, is opening a new location on North Lake Drive near Lake Murray. The new spot, formerly home to Tee’d Up indoor driving range, has a “coming soon” sign, but no opening date has been announced. (The State)
Number
$8 million — that’s the amount USC star quarterback and Heisman Trophy contender LaNorris Sellers reportedly turned down to stay with the Gamecocks. After racking up over 3,200 yards and 25 touchdowns as a redshirt freshman, his NIL valuation climbed to $3.7 million — No. 6 nationally. (The State)
Trend
We think watermelon red nails would look good on you. In fact, fruit nails are trending — and watermelon is the most searched fruit nail color in SC. Get in on the trend and take a picture with your viral nails holding a watermelon margarita from Cantina 76. (Flourish)
Traffic
South Beltline Boulevard at Loquat Drive is expected to reopen by Saturday, June 21, following Columbia Water’s sewer system upgrades. Until then, drivers should use Rosewood Drive, I-77, or posted detour routes. (WLTX)
Lost pet? There’s a new way to help bring them home. Animal Mission just launched its first-ever Pet Microchip Check Station outside Columbia Animal Services. Anyone can now scan found pets for microchips — no appointment needed. Pro tip, pet owners: Microchipped pets are three times more likely to be reunited with their humans.
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.
Each summer, I love seeing which century plants will bloom around Columbia — and this year, a few stunners have popped up at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden’s West Columbia entrance. These towering agaves bloom once after decades, then bow out in style.
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