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Editor’s Pick
The Hollings Library is accessible through the main level of Thomas Cooper Library. | Photo via USC
Erin here. I love learning about the history of our cities — especially as we approach the United States’ 250th anniverary this summer — so David’s recent coverage of a USC exhibit displaying Revolutionary War documents got me pretty excited. I can’t wait to stop in and see General Francis Marion’s handwritten muster roll.
Modern Shag Night | 8:30-11 p.m. | Bill’s Music Shop, West Columbia | $5
Friday, April 17
Meeting Street Music Festival 2026 | Friday, April 17-Saturday, April 18 | Times vary | 900-1200 blocks of Meeting Street West Columbia, SC 29169, West Columbia | Free | Enjoy 11 bands, great food, and a free two-day street festival in the River District headlined by Sugar Ray.*
Saturday, April 18
Soda City Market | Saturday, April 18, Saturday, April 25 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m. | Main Street | Free
Purposeful planning: A community built for those who think ahead
A lifestyle you control: Shape your environment and daily routine
Picture mornings exploring new passions, afternoons connecting with friends, and evenings in a space you helped create. This is a community for people ready to embrace an intentional, full, and vibrant next chapter.
You’re my sunshine after the rain.High temperatures are expected to reach 94º this Saturday — just shy of the historical high recorded on April 18, 1896, when the Soda City logged a sweltering 96º.
Trending
Yesterday morning, a Space X Falcon 9 rocket launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida — and could be seen from across South Carolina and in the Midlands. (WIS 10)
Festival
Tickets are on sale for the inaugural Songbird Festival 26 at Finlay Park. Headliners include Old Crow Medicine Crow and Sam Bush + regional artists like The Blue Dogs.
Civic
The City of Columbia is proposing a greenway link between Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park. This week, the City put out a call for designers to help advance the project. (The State)
Discover 6844 Satchelford Rd., a standalone industrial flex building offering ±14 ft ceilings, two drive-in bay doors, and balanced office-warehouse space. Ideal for contractors, trades, and distribution users, it provides convenient access to I-20 and I-77 in the Forest Acres/Northeast Columbia corridor. Check it out.*
Pets
ABC Columbia’s pet of the week is Manny — 4-year-old male black lab and border collie mix. Lexington County officials describe him as friendly, high-energy, and “very treat-motivated.” Peek the video.
Health
Whether caring for an aging loved one now or looking ahead, it’s easy to feel stressed, confused or overwhelmed. Prisma Health’s free webinar for caregivers is here to answer your questions and help with your concerns. Reserve your spot.*
Cause
Oliver Gospel’s “Hope Center” is now open on Taylor Street, accepting clothes donations that support men, women, and children who shelter with the organization. (ABC Columbia)
Giveaway
$75 could be yours. Enter to win a gift card to this local deli serving made-to-order sandwiches, salads, wraps, and more. Like this post, follow @eastbaydeli and @maipokesc, tag friends, and share to your story for a bonus entry. The winner will be announced Tuesday, April 22. Good luck, COLA.*
Shop
It’s the very last day of Nordstrom’s end of season sale — shop up to 50% off best-selling spring items, like this stunning (and comfortable) jersey maxi dress perfect for date night, vacation, and warm weather outings.*
Finance
“Worth its weight in gold.” That’s how experts are describing this versatile card that offers cash back on every single purchase and up to 6% cash back in categories you’ll actually use, all for no annual fee. See the details.*
The Buy
The best two-piece sets for spring:
👚 This No. 1 best-selling women’s short set is comfortable, lightweight, and effortlessly put together.
👖 Get an instant outfit with this striped shirt + wide leg pants set rated 4.5 stars — it’s soft, slouchy, and flattering.
👚 Keep it casual in this sporty two-piece short set that features soft and cooling fabric.
👖 For professional occasions, eliminate outfit guesswork with this two-piece v-neck set featuring a tailored, feminine fit.
👚 Look instantly chic on vacation or sunny days in this sleeveless knit two-piece available in your favorite color or stripes.
David is enjoying some well-earned time-off, so we’re pitching in here in Cola for the next couple of days. If you’ve read this far, may I recommend finishing up your plans for Cola Jazz + Roots Fest?
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