Betty Lane Cherry poses on an airport tarmac with boxes labeled “South Carolina Peaches,” showcasing the fruit during a promotional tour in the 1950s. | Photo via Richland Library Digital Archives
Before “influencer” was a job title, there was Betty Lane Cherry — Miss USA, runner-up for Miss World, and “Miss Fruit Salad,” as she was dubbed on national TV. A fitting nickname for a person with the last name of Cherry from Orangeburg, who’s pushing peaches.
A Columbia College grad, Cherry spent years representing the South Carolina Peach Council across the Northeast and later served as Peach Queen for the National Peach Council, promoting peaches nationwide through interviews, events, and media campaigns.
She even appeared on South Carolina roadmaps and postcards that dubbed the Palmetto State as “The Real Peach State.” Her tour included stops on shows like “The Don McNeill Breakfast Club” — where her “Miss Fruit Salad” nickname was born — and the “Today” show, where she famously kept her composure when the show’s chimpanzee crawled on her to grab a ripe peach.
Yoga in The Park | 9-10:30 a.m. | Elmwood Roy Lynch Park | Free | Bring your mat to this class taught by certified instructors from Charles R Drew Wellness Center.
Introduction to Canva | 6-7:30 p.m. | Richland Library Main | Free | The learn basics of the user-friendly and free design platform.
Spritz Mix Happy Hour | 4-7 p.m. | Columbia Museum of Art | Free | Spark your creativity and cool your jets at the build-your-own bev bar.
“AIDA” | July 17-July 26 | 8 p.m. | Trustus Theatre | $40 | A forbidden love story unfolds across enemy lines.
Friday, July 18
Pigskin Poets | 3 p.m. | The Drew Wellness Center | Free | Freshman Gamecock football players will read children’s stories and connect with young fans at this family-friendly literacy event.
Rolls-Royce Solutions America will invest $75 million and add 60 jobs at its Aiken facility by 2027. The two-phase expansion will grow its MTU Series 4000 engine production used in hospitals and data centers as backup generators. Phase one construction begins in early 2026. (WLTX)
Development
A 200-home subdivision called Riverbend at Broad and Mountain View has been approved along Columbia’s Broad River. Set on 106 acres near Mountain Drive and I-20, the project by Contender Property Holdings is expected to finish in 2027. (The Post and Courier)
Real Estate
Developers are eyeing 22 acres near I-20 and Longs Pond Road in Lexington County for Avanti Townhomes — a proposed 83-unit project next to the Baneberry subdivision. The county planning commission will vote tomorrow on recommending the plan to the council. (The State)
Sports
There’s a buzz around the Gamecocks at SEC Media Days following a nine-win season and with Heisman hopeful quarterback LaNorris Sellers. The Gamecocks kick off the season against Virginia Tech on Sunday, Aug. 31 at 3 p.m. in Atlanta. (WLTX)
Eat
Prohibition on Main is serving up “Speakeasy Specials” with $5 drinks, $1.50 oysters, $3 tacos, and a $9 smash burger. The deals hit during happy hour and late night.
Civic
Early voting is open through Friday, July 25 for Blythewood’s special election on shifting to a Council-Manager form of government. If passed, councilmembers — not the mayor — would oversee departments and hire or fire staff, with the town administrator acting as CEO. (WIS)
Finance
Easy, secure, and built for life on the go, a Freedom Account offers the tech and convenience you want with none of the hassle you don’t. Learn more about banking that fits your lifestyle. Federally Insured by NCUA.*
Featured Apartment
Apartment hunting? The One at Columbia is now leasing spacious one- to three-bedroom homes with designer finishes and in-home washers and dryers. Residents also enjoy amenities like a pool, coworking lounge, yoga studio, pet spa, EV charging, and more. Take a tour + request info.*
Try This
Your next big event could use some attention. Get a crowd in the room by letting us help you spread the word. Our self-service ad portal can put your event in front of our highly engaged local audience in a matter of two days. Get started now.
Category
Try This
Ripe and ready to cook
Fire up the flavor on this one. | Photo by Husk
A celebration of sweet, savory, and sippable peach creations — from cocktails to cobblers — we’re featuring recipes from top chefs and local restaurants to celebrate our very first Peach Week.
Pork Chops with Grilled Peaches | Husk, Charleston
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.
Start sketching your dream public space — Columbia’s PARK(ing) Day returns Friday, Sept. 19 for its 10th year, and signups are underway. Whether it’s hammocks, pop-ups, or pollinator gardens, you get to reimagine the sidewalk. Here’s a look at some of the spots from last year.
}})
