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Editor’s Pick
A fond farewell
The Riverbanks-born brothers in their early years. | Photo by Riverbanks Zoo and Gardens
Two gorillas born and raised at Riverbanks are getting ready for a big move. Moyo (Mo) and ZaKota, the first gorillas ever born at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden, will relocate to the Dallas Zoo in March as part of a national breeding and conservation program.
The brothers, born in 2018, are reaching the age when male gorillas naturally leave their family group. In Dallas, they’ll join a bachelor troop designed to mirror that stage of life. Their family will remain at Riverbanks, which plans to stay involved in gorilla conservation.
Visitors still have a few weeks to catch them before they head west, and Fridays are free for local residents through February.
Asked
Asked
Western lowland gorillas — like Mo and ZaKota — are classified as which conservation status?
A. Vulnerable B. Endangered C. Critically endangered D. Extinct in the wild
This year, the New York-style deli is celebrating this milestone with a full year of promotions, giveaways, and special events — a heartfelt thank-you to the community for a quarter-century of support.
Soda City residents can look forward to a jam-packed lineup of programming, including:
Family-friendly Kids Nights
Anniversary giveaways
Surprises and exclusive offers throughout the year
And more
Updates will be shared on Facebook and Instagram, so follow along to stay in the loop on the latest ways to join the celebration.
Whether stopping by for a favorite sandwich (we’re looking at you, Chief Reuben), planning a catered gathering, or attending an event, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at this community staple.
Tickets are on sale for the Columbia Food + Wine Festival, returning Wednesday through Sunday, April 22-26, with five days of dinners, tastings, competitions, and culinary events across the city. The ninth annual festival will feature more than 100 chefs, mixologists, restaurants, and artisans.
Outdoors
The fountain at Finlay Park is turned off this week for planned preventative maintenance. The city expects it to be flowing again ahead of Valentine’s Day this Saturday, Feb. 14.
Biz
Mashburn Construction is marking its 50th anniversary this year with plans to relocate its corporate headquarters to Seaboard Vistalater this year.
Civic
Columbia City Council and Richland County Council will hold a kickoff and overview session for the Two Riverfront District Project today, Feb. 10, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The early planning event includes a site visit at Senate’s End.
Theater
The USC Department of Theatre and Dance will present “Orlando,” Sarah Ruhl’s stage adaptation of Virginia Woolf’s novel, Thursday, Feb. 26 through Sunday, March 1, at Benson Theatre. Tickets are $10 and available online or at the door.
Arts
One Columbia, in partnership with Black Nerd Mafia, has launched “The Alchemy of Art,” a new multidisciplinary arts event series bringing together music, visual art, poetry, and more at the Ensor Keenan House. Events are expected to roll out in the coming months.
Shop
Meet the intimacy gummy: Camino Wild Cherry, the ultimate edible for date night. Heighten sensory experiences and ignite that special spark with a THC gummy that fits seamlessly into your Valentine’s Day plans — without the hangover or bloat of alcohol. Get 20% off a full-size tin with code 6AM20.†*
Category
Festival
I just wanna fly
Meeting Street Music Festival turns the West Cola thoroughfare into a block party. | Photo via Meeting Street Music Festival
The free, two-day festival returns Friday and Saturday, April 17-18, transforming Meeting Street into a spring block party featuring live music, food, and family fun. This year’s lineup features 11 bands across multiple stages, spanning bluegrass, jazz, pop, rock, and country.
The weekend kicks off Friday, April 17, with a Waterfront Warm-Up at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater. On Saturday, April 18, the festival expands across the 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street, closing out with Sugar Ray on the main stage.
Beyond the music, festivalgoers can explore an artisan market, dine from food trucks, take part in dance lessons, and enjoy family-friendly features like a pet zone. Free parking, trolley service, and designated rideshare areas make getting there easy.
Growing up comes with plenty of firsts. With a Cash App Card, teens have a safe way to practice saving, managing money, and spending — all with their own debit card, and you as their guide.‡
South Carolina Manufacturing Madness is back, hunting for the coolest things made in the Palmetto State. Nominations are open now through Thursday, Feb. 19. High Noon Sun Sips, produced by E. & J. Gallo Winery in Fort Lawn, won last year.
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‡Cash App is a financial platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See Terms & Conditions. To view the eligibility requirements for sponsoring a teen, please visit the Sponsored Accounts section of the Cash App Terms of Service.
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