Plus, how late can you use fireworks?
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Editor’s Pick

You look like the Fourth of July

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Get some pork cracklins and make it a meal. | Photo by COLAtoday
If you want a hot dog real bad, we’ve got you covered.

Today we’re celebrating one of the best hot dog haunts in the Midlands — Jimmy’s Mart at 9900 Two Notch Rd. Located in an Exxon gas station, this spot is a mainstay for the purveyors of pork.

Not convinced? Just read the Yelp reviews. It has 4.4 stars — unheard of for a gas station — and all the reviews rave about the hot dogs. One reviewer has been sampling the slaw dog since the 1970s.

Asked

Let’s settle this once and for all. Is a hot dog a sandwich?

A. Sure, why not?
B. No. What is wrong with you?
C. No — it’s a taco.
D. It’s something else.
Plus, how many dogs are eaten on the Fourth?

Events

Friday, July 4

Born in the USA Four Miler | 7:04 p.m. | Trenholm Road and Forest Drive | $45+ | Baby, we were born to run in this race, which features a $100 cash prize for those who run fast enough.

Lexington County Peach Festival | 9 a.m.-9:30 p.m. | Gilbert Community Park, Gilbert | Free | Indulge in homemade peach treats, live music, local vendors, a car show, and a day-long celebration of the queen of all fruits, the peach.

Lake Wateree State Park Fireworks | 5-10 p.m. | Lake Wateree State Park | Included with price of admission | Bring something to sit on for this stunning fireworks display.

Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 6:35 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Celebrate Independence Day with a post-game fireworks show at Segra Park.*

Saturday, July 5

Columbia Anime & Video Game Expo | Saturday, July 5 + Sunday, July 6 | Times vary | Jamil Temple | $17+ | It’s game on at this convention featuring 100+ vendors, celebrity guests, panels, and a free-play arcade.

Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 6:35 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Join the Fireflies at Segra Park for Marvel Superhero Night, where the first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive a Fireflies comic book.*

Sunday, July 6

First Sundays Comedy Live | 6-8 p.m. | 124 Diamond Ln. | $30+ | This recurring monthly comedy showcase featuring local and touring stand-up performers — this month features Cletus Kassidy.

Columbia Fireflies vs. Augusta GreenJackets | 6:35 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | Cool off with a night full of water games at Segra Park as the Fireflies host Summer Splash Day.*
See our full events calendar
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News Notes

Today Is

Independence Day. America has been celebrating this day for 249 years since the Declaration of Independence was formally adopted on July 4, 1776. Round up the kids, friends, or just yourself and head to the Fireflies game at 6:35 p.m. — don’t miss the post-game fireworks show.

Civic

SC’s fiscal year began on Tuesday, July 1. That means a few new state laws are now in place — including a $1,500 pay bump for teachers + college tuition freezes. (WLTX)

Active

Over 450 cyclists will brave the summer heat for the 17th annual Ride to End ALZ South Carolina, from Friday, July 11 to Sunday, July 13. The 257-mile ride from Simpsonville to Charleston aims to raise $1.5 million for Alzheimer’s research + support. (Greenville Journal)

Outdoors

Going camping soon? Hipcamp allows you to browse campsites by location, date, and even party size. It looks like Christina’s Paradise in Hopkins has availability this weekend — and a pool.

Older Adults

The number of South Carolinians aged 65 and up has grown by 16.8%. Makes sense to us — there’s plenty for older locals to do around here. (Axios)

Sports

Tre Mann officially has a contract. Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the Charlotte Hornets with Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.

The Buy

Coco & Eve’s award-winning hair mask. It’s formulated with clean ingredients like coconut, fig, and shea butter to provide instant frizz reduction and maximum shine.
More worth The Buy

Games

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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.
Let the games begin

The Wrap

I love a big flashy fireworks show, but there’s something really special about sparklers on the lawn.

Speaking of — the fire and police departments have a few reminders about local firework laws. In short: Fireworks on the Fourth are permitted until 12:30 a.m.
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