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Editor’s Pick
SC artist Corey Alston stands with his sweetgrass masterpiece, which is on display now. | Photo vis SC State Museum
Corey Alston’s “Big Percy” stands 5 ft tall, stretches nearly 4 ft wide, and weighs 80 pounds. The museum is submitting it to Guinness World Records as the largest documented basket of its kind.
Commissioned in fall 2024 and completed after months of hand-sewing sweetgrass, palmetto fronds and pine needles, the basket honors generations of Gullah Geechee makers who preserved the West African coiled tradition.
Big Percy will remain on display through the middle of next year alongside a basket made by Alston’s late grandmother-in-law, bridging centuries of craftsmanship.
A taste of “Wuthering Heights” awaits at a rain-swept private island for sale in the UK. Once owned by the royal family, Ynys Gifftan has no electricity. That won’t be a problem at this recently listed Lake Murray home, set on nearly 3.5 acres with a detached barndominium. (The Times)
Outdoors
Got a green thumb? This one’s for you. The Old Farmer’s Almanac released its 2026 Last Frost Date Map, and it suggests Columbia gardeners may want to plant a little earlier than usual this year. Pro tip: Pick up some native plants at one of these Midlands nurseries.
Family
Columbia Housing and Cola Parks and Recreation are hosting a free Community Movie Night screening of “Paddington” on Friday, March 13, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Katheryn M. Bellfield Booker Washington Heights Cultural Arts Center. The event is geared toward children ages 5-12.
Plan Ahead
Bummer — the Winter Olympics are officially over. The good news? We can start looking ahead to the Games’ return to US soil at Los Angeles 2028. You’ve got until Wednesday, March 18 to register for tickets, and prepare for travel from CAE.
Seasonal
There are 13 days until the clocks go forward for daylight saving time. That means a few things: spring is on its way, the sun is setting later, and summer will be here before we know it. A picnic awaits — plan out which local park you’d like to frequent for the occasion.
Tech
Apple is expected to unveil the newest iPhone + MacBook on Wednesday, March 4. If you’re saving up for the shiny new releases, here’s a tip: Take advantage of Columbia’s top free activities to stretch your budget. (Bloomberg)
Learn
Whether you want to learn a skill from scratch, build a creative habit, or level up in your career — Skillshare has something for everyone. The online learning platform offers classes taught by experts on topics ranging from podcasting, productivity, interior design, and calligraphy. Get started with a one month free trial.*
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Job
Manifesting a new job for 2026? Let us help. Our Job Board has 240,000 active listings across industries like healthcare, education, manufacturing, and information technology. Search open jobs now.
Event Spotlight
Let the green begin
Celebrate St. Pat’s season with the dyeing of the fountain. | Photo provided by Five Points Association
The countdown to Columbia’s biggest street party officially begins Thursday, Feb. 26, with the annual St. Pat’s in Five Points Kick-Off event at the Main Fountain Plaza.
The free, family-friendly celebration runs from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and centers around one of Columbia’s favorite traditions — the ceremonial dyeing of the Five Points Fountain green.
What not to miss
Fountain tradition: Watch the annual dyeing of the fountain — the official start of St. Pat’s season.
Live Irish music: Palmetto Pipes and Drums bring the bagpipes and drums.
Dance performances: Connick School of Irish Dance takes the plaza stage.
Music: DJ Kenya Spinz spinning the jams.
For the kids: Face painting and balloon artistry from Ladybug’s Face Painting, plus games and crafts.
Snacks: Peanuts from Go-N-Nutz will be available for purchase.
The Buy
Chef-curated tasting menus, skyline tours, spa days, and more thanks to unbeatable deals on Groupon. New deals drop daily, so there’s always something new to try. You can even stack deals: book date night now, schedule a deep tissue massage, and still have room in the budget for a weekend brewery tour.
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