Looking north on Main Street from the steps of the State House. | Photo by COLAtoday
Richland County launched its new economic engine: meet the Columbia Area Development Partnership. This public-private team replaces the county’s former Economic Development Office and is focused on bringing in new investment, supporting local businesses, and keeping community impact front and center.
Darius Starks | 6-9 p.m. | The Grand on Main | Free | Grab a burger and a bowling ball and enjoy a night of live music in the Main Street District.
Columbia Fireflies vs. Fredricksburg Nationals | 7:05 p.m. | Segra Park | $8+ | CVETS Dog Days of Summer: Treat your furry friend to a night out at Segra Park and enjoy $5 White Claws on White Claw Wednesday.*
Thursday, July 31
Meeting Street Artisan Market | 4-8 p.m. | Interactive Art Park, West Columbia | Free | The market includes vendors selling original art, crafts, foods, and produce.
Brew at the Zoo | 7-9:30 p.m. | Riverbanks Zoo and Garden | $80+ | Enjoy an evening of craft and local beer, live music, and wildlife.
Friday Yoga Class at Saluda Riverwalk | 9-10 a.m. | Saluda Riverwalk | Free | Join instructors from the Drew Wellness Center for a calming Friday morning yoga session along the river.
Saturday, Aug. 2
Small Mart Tiny Art Market | 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Richland Library Main | This art market is full of an array of artists and makers selling handcrafted goods, with nothing over 4" in size.
Ford’s Garage is shifting into gear for expansion, and the Midlands could be next. The Ford-themed burger and craft beer chain is looking for franchise partners to open local locations. Expect vintage car decor, comfort food, and ~125 jobs per restaurant. (The Post and Courier)
Open
Cornerstone Cattle Company has opened its first meat market on White Pond Road in Elgin near the Food Lion. The Blythewood-based farm now sells fresh beef, pork, chicken, eggs, and local goods on Fridays and Saturdays. (Cola Daily)
Sports
Lexington will host the 70th Diamond Youth Baseball World Series starting tomorrow and running through Wednesday, Aug. 6. Thirty-six teams from 11 states will compete at Midland and Lexington sports complexes. The event is expected to draw ~3,000 visitors and generate $4 million in local economic impact.
Number
100,000 — that’s how many acres the Congaree Land Trust has now permanently protected across central SC. The milestone was reached with the conservation of Alston Farm in Sumter County and includes wetlands, forests, and farmland.
Announced
Tamara King has been named the next executive director of Richland Library, effective Sunday, Aug. 24. Originally from Manning and currently serving as Richland Library’s Chief Equity and Engagement Officer, King will become the first African American to lead the nationally recognized system.
Plan Ahead
The Gamecocks’ women’s basketball team will take on UNC in an exhibition game at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Wednesday, Oct. 30. The 6 p.m. matchup is part of a doubleheader with Auburn vs. Memphis men’s hoops. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 8 at 10 a.m.
Biz
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Job
Are you the one we’re looking for? We’re on the hunt for a sales-driven leader to help us land significant brand partnerships at a national scale as a Sales Executive. From a competitive benefits package to 401k matching, we’re a pretty amazing company to work for. Join our team and apply today.
Travel
Psst — You’re making flying too complicated. Sign up for Going and get emailed when flights to your dream destination are up to 90% off.*
Trending
Just dropped: limited edition colors of Bissell’s viral carpet cleaner, the Little Green Machine. Get all the stain-removing, deep-cleaning action in purple or in blue.*
Category
Civic
SC ID makeover
South Carolina’s new licenses feature updated security and state icons like the yellow jessamine and Carolina wren. | Images via SCDMV
Say goodbye to the old driver’s license design — SC’s newest IDs are showing up with a fresh face and state pride to match. The SCDMV unveiled redesigned driver’s licenses and ID cards featuring yellow jessamine, a Carolina wren, a loggerhead sea turtle, the State House, and more iconic Palmetto State imagery.
The upgrades go beyond looks. The cards include more than 40 new security features, laser engraving, and a new production process designed to fight counterfeiting and identity theft.
Starting this fall, applicants will receive a temporary certificate at the SCDMV office, with the finished card arriving by mail within 7–15 business days. The pilot rollout begins in late August at Columbia’s Shop Road + Lexington branches.
No need to rush — current cards remain valid until they expire. Pricing stays the same.
Games
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.
If you’ve never camped before, this one’s for you. The Palmetto Campout is returning to Sesquicentennial State Park the first weekend in October, and it’s specifically designed for first-time campers. You’ll get the full overnight experience (tents, s’mores, ranger guidance) alongside other families learning the ropes together.
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