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TODAY show host and Columbia’s own Craig Melvin chats with Mayor Daniel Rickenmann at Finlay Park. | Screengrab via TODAY
Hootie & the Blowfish played in the background as the TODAY show introduced its “Homecoming” series featuring host Craig Melvin exploring the Soda City, riding shotgun with his brother Ryan. Here’s what Melvin did on his date out in Cola.
First stop: King’s Barber Shop off Main Street, where Craig still visits Tremaine for a fresh cut whenever he’s home. Clippers buzz as they talk sports and how much the Capital City has changed over the years.
Next, a sentimental visit to St. John Preparatory School, the school where Craig, Ryan, and fellow alum A’ja Wilson all started their education. Wilson’s grandfather actually founded the school in 1971. He shed a tear as he explored his old classroom and read a book to current students.
“Same hometown, but 2.0,” Craig said. “If home is where the heart is, you’ll find a big piece of mine right here.”
Start warming up those vocal cords. Journey is giving it one last go as the Final Frontier Tour comes to Colonial Life Arena on Sunday, May 18. Expect a parade of hits, from “Faithfully” to “Don’t Stop Believin’.” Tickets go on sale Friday, Nov. 14 at 10 a.m.
Sports
Gamecock women’s basketball will play in the Ally Tipoff in Charlotte for the next three seasons. Matchups include UNC (2026), UConn (2027), and NC State (2028). The popular event has set attendance records for regular-season games in North Carolina in each of its first two years.
Read
Columbia lawyer Dick Harpootlian is launching a book tour for “Dig Me a Grave,” his new true crime account of prosecuting serial killer Donald “Pee Wee” Gaskins. The tour kicks off Monday, Dec. 16 at 701 Whaley, the day the book is released.
Watch
Celebrate Cola on the big screen at the Cell-A-Brates Cinema Red Carpet Premiere on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Nickelodeon Theatre. All films were shot on smartphones by local creatives. A follow-up matinee screening will show on Saturday, Nov. 15.
Talk
Richland Library is hosting bestselling author C.J. Box this afternoon for an evening of conversation, Q&A, and book signing. The Joe Pickett series writer will discuss his latest novel, “Battle Mountain,” at the Main Library starting at 7 p.m.
Seasonal
Downtown Lexington saw a record 47 entries for this year’s Scarecrow Stroll, drawing thousands of visitors in October. The Lexington County Coroner’s Office took home both Best Overall and People’s Choice for “The Pumpkin King of Prevention.” Other winners included Lexington Health, Nephron, and Pop’s Palmetto Pickles.
Job
Looking for a remote opportunity to lead and inspire a winning team? We’re hiring a Sales Director to fuel our fast-paced sales team, with a competitive salary, premium benefits, unlimited PTO, and real growth opportunities to boot. Apply to join our team.
A Columbia tradition since 1948, the Trinity Bazaar returns tomorrow, Saturday, Nov. 8, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Trinity Cathedral next door to the State House.
The annual fall fundraiser features homemade pickles and baked goods, hand-crafted art and gifts, live music, and the kids’ “Fall Into Fun” festival — plus plenty of treasures to browse. Every dollar raised supports local nonprofits like Turn90, the YMCA of Columbia, and Our Place of Hope.
Add this stop to your Soda City Market Saturday morning and come out to shop, snack, and celebrate 77 years under the cathedral oaks.
The Buy
A MagSafe charging station with fast-charging technology. We love its foldable, travel-friendly design, allowing us to charge up to three devices at once from anywhere.
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.
This is not a drill. Bring those fragile plants inside this weekend. The low on Monday is 28, so we’ll be seeing our first real frost of the season. Good news, though, it’s warming right back up just in time for Finlay Park’s Grand Reopening weekend.
