The fountain is flowing again at this iconic view of downtown Columbia. | Photo by COLAtoday
The month of November and Finlay Park go hand in hand. In November 1993, the park adopted its current name, honoring its visionary, former Columbia Mayor Kirkman Finlay. In November 2019, The State shared that an $18 million plan was underway to renovate and “polish” Cola’s crown jewel.
This weekend, after $25 million in updates, Finlay Park officially reopens with two days of celebrations headlined by the Jam Room Music Festival and Day Two Fest.
Here’s what to expect and how to make the most of your visit.
Jam Room Music Festival will have posters for sale designed locally and screen printed locally at The Half and Half. | Photo by COLAtoday
Saturday, Nov. 15
9 a.m. | The park will open for the public to explore the paths, slide down the hill to the playground, and get a first-hand look at the revived fountain that flows through the park.
Jam Room Music Festival through 10 p.m. | Live music will take place on two stages in the park, featuring local music and national acts like DIIV, White Denim, and Sunny War. Food trucks will be on site, and beverages for sale.
Presented by Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community
Still Hopes has supported causes that keep the Midlands thriving and continues to invest in people, purpose, and progress. | Photo provided by Still Hopes
From supporting Alzheimer’s and brain research to partnering with the Cayce Beautification Foundation and the South Carolina Wildlife Foundation, Still Hopes knows a strong campus community starts with a strong local community. As a nonprofit, it holds fundraisers funds to support older adults and their team members through benevolence, outreach, and innovation.
GoGlow Harbison — an airbrush tan salon — will celebrate its new location with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Nov. 19, at 3:30 p.m. on Bower Parkway. The event is free and open to the public, hosted in partnership with the Lexington Chamber.
Shop
Bullseye Vintage, a new monthly antique and vintage market from the Soda City team, debuts Sunday, Nov. 16 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the BullStreet District near Segra Park. Expect more than 20 vendors, live music, and retro finds. The market will continue every third Sunday. (The State)
Real Estate
For the Love of Old Houses, a Facebook page with over four million followers, shared this home located on McCormick Highway in Saluda. The 1843 farmhouse, which was the home of the J. B. Davis & Son Cotton Gin farm, is now for sale for $349,000.
Civic
Forest Acres is still awaiting a decision from the USPS to claim the 29206 ZIP Code officially. City leaders say the code better reflects their community identity and would bring benefits like clearer data and insurance rates. (The Post and Courier)
Award
Drake’s Duck-In clinched 57% of reader votes in The State’s search for the Midlands’ best fried chicken. Considering the spot opened in 1907, it seems they’ve had ample time to perfect their recipes. (The State)
Community
Cub Scout Pack 10 is hosting a car show this Saturday, Nov. 15 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Entry is $20 per car. All are welcome to come out and support local scouts.
True sustainability means reducing waste — not creating more of it. Tomorrow, Nov. 15, is National Recycling Day, and Soda City is invited to support the South Carolina Environmental Law project’s fight against a proposed 293-acre landfill in Aiken County. Learn more about their work to protect our state’s natural spaces.*
Featured Deal
Particle Face Cream for men diminishes wrinkles, reduces eye bags, and nourishes deeply with Dead Sea minerals. Try it 20% off with code CITY20.*
Try This
Today’s Best voting is in full swing and there’s still time to give your two cents. Remember, you can vote once per day. Share the love and vote for your favorite local businesses.
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Featured Space
This 12,759-sqft industrial building from Reedy Land Co. includes 3,227 sqft. of office space and 9,532 sqft. of warehouse space. It features high ceilings, spray-foam insulation, two roll-up doors, and three-phase power. Fully fenced and conveniently located near I-26, I-77, Downtown Columbia, and the airport. Check it out.*
Family
Looking for the perfect place to dine with the whole family? These spots cater to all ages, so there’s something tasty for everyone.*
Featured Deal
Homeowners can take advantage of end-of-year savings with the Holiday Ready Package from Ford & Sims. By booking the Pre-Winter Package — which includes driveway, roof, gutter, and house washing — customers can save 15% when scheduling two or more services before the first freeze.*
Community
Community
From the field to the finish line: LIFE Scholarship alumni making an impact
Presented by South Carolina Education Lottery
Both individuals exemplify how lottery-funded scholarship support can foster leadership and community involvement in the sports world. | Photos provided by South Carolina Education Lottery
The South Carolina Education Lottery’s LIFE Scholarship, funded by South Carolina Education Lottery proceeds, continues to shape futures both on and off the field. Meet two alumni whose careers are rooted in sports and community impact.
Adam Gorlitsky, Executive Director of I Got Legs, empowers athletes with disabilities to reach new heights through adaptive sports. Greg Burgess, VP of Stadium Grounds & Operations for the Greenville Drive, keeps the game-day magic alive behind the scenes.
These stories prove that a LIFE Scholarship can take you anywhere — on the field, in the community, and beyond.
As temperatures continue to fall, we’re leaning into our cold-weather essentials. Here are three we absolutely swear by:
👖 Really good fleece-lined leggings with pockets. The thermal lining delivers extra warmth without compromising on stretch and breathability.
🛌 A top-rated long sleeve pj set for maximum comfort and coziness during fall and winter nights.
✋ A pair of rechargeable handwarmers with three temperature settings and up to 36 hours of battery life. Bonus: They include a portable charging case for power on the go.
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.
Frisson. It means the strong feeling of excitement and chills you get when you hear music or see art. Let’s use it in a sentence — I’m going to get a frisson when Jam Room Music Festival takes place this weekend.
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