Championship Rodeo: Blythewood Community Center

Friday June 24 and Saturday June 25, 2011

For the first time, the reigning World Champion All Around Cowboy, the reigning National Rodeo Queen and the newly crowned SC Rodeo Queen will be appearing together! Come out to Blythewood for this one-of-a-kind event! Presented by the International Rodeo Professional Association, this show will keep you on the edge of your seat. A true crowd-pleaser! Town of Blythewood website.

Columbia International Festival: Harriet Barber House

Saturday June 25, 2011

Bring your family and friends to join in the celebration of RICHLAND’S INTERNATIONAL FLAVORS AT THE HARRIET BARBER HOUSE IN LOWER RICHLAND (116 BARBERVILLE LOOP- HOPKINS, SC 29601) ON SATURDAY, JUNE 25 FROM 11 AM to 3 PM. This one-day family friendly, no alcohol festival is sponsored by Richland County, Richland County Public Library system and the acclaimed 16-year old non-profit Columbia International Festival, who will engage all your senses. Admission is free! Throughout the day there will be on-stage international cultural performances by vividly costumed ethnic dancers accompanied by traditional rhythmic melodies from many countries including Austria, Germany, Israel, Mexico, West African countries, Philippines, Puerto Rico, Spain, and Thailand. At the International Food Court, you will enjoy tantalizing tastes of exotic ethnic dishes. You can sample authentic foods from all over the world including Mexico, Philippines, India, Thailand and more! Above all, the festival provides a venue for the Midland’s local and foreign-born communities to come together in Richland County’s historic Harriet Barber house in Hopkins to gain a greater understanding and appreciation of its linguistic and cultural diversity, to work together toward the area’s economic revitalization, discover new friends and build better community relations. Everyone is invited to come! Details here.

Learn to Cook with Vegetables and Quinoa: State Farmers' Market Exhibition Kitchen

Saturday June 25, 2011
This isn't your ordinary Farmers' Market! If you haven't visited, here's a very good reason to go this Saturday - Lisa Akly, registered dietitian for Palmetto Health Heart Hospital's Cardiac Rehabilitation program, will be offering a free cooking demonstration at the new Exhibition Kitchen at 12:00 noon.. The kitchen is located in the Corbett Building at the SC State Farmers Market, 3483 Charleston Highway, West Columbia 29172. She will demonstrating a recipe using fresh vegetables and heart healthy quinoa. After you get your cooking lesson, go get ya some great veggies at the Market! Visit the State Farmers Market website for more info.

Dr. Doolittle: Tail to the Chief | Finlay Park

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Come join the city's parks department at Finlay Park-- they'll be showing a family movie on Friday nights during the summer! This is a great community event that is in its 8th year! There will be free popcorn and drinks provided for everyone! Movies begin at sunset, which is approximately 8pm. You may begin arriving as early as you would like. Please bring a blanket or chairs for sitting on the grassy area in front of the stage. Please no pets, alcohol or glass containers. Picnics welcome.
Please go to our website for more information!
For weather cancellations and more info please call 261-1742.
June 24- Dr. Dolittle: Tail to the Chief (PG)

Midlands Benefit for ANS Japanese Relief Fund: The Loose Cockaboose

Saturday June 25, 2011

A family-friendly picnic style benefit is being hosted to support the families affected by the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. You are invited to an afternoon of food, fun, and friendly competition as a way to support our global neighbors in need. Please feel free to invite your friends and neighbors! Fun activities include:
-Corn hole Tournament - $10 / 2-person team
-Horse Shoe Tournament - $5 /person
-Three Legged Race - $5/ 2-person team
-Egg-Head Race - $5/ person
-Water Balloon Toss - $5/ 2 person
*Prizes will be awarded to the adventurous and skilled. Activity registration & fees will be collected on-site.
Ticket prices: $15.00 per person/ $25.00 per couple/ $35 per family. Donations to further support the event would be greatly appreciated. Cash or personal checks will be accepted. Ticket prices include: Event Entry and Delicious Delectables & Beverages
View Invitation.

Columbia Music Festival: Historic Columbia Speedway

Saturday June 25, 2011
All Day Music Fest Saturday from 11 AM to 10PM. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs out to the Historic Columbia Speedway for a day of great live music and sunshine (it's not supposed to be terribly hot this weekend!) Performances by Preacher Stone, DB Bryant Band, Outshine, Crash Cadillac, Decadence, Neverthaless, Bad Monkey Experience, Jefferson Coker, Facedown. Tickets on sale now at www.etix.com or www.backstageentertainment.biz $20 in advance $25 at gate. Children 12 under $5. Food, beverages, beer and wine will be sold at the event. (No coolers allowed.) Presented by Backstage Entertainment

John Tudor's Magic Workshop for Kids:Columbia Children's Theatre

Saturday June 25, 2011

He’s magical! He’s mystical! And your child can be too, when Columbia Children’s Theatre (CCT) presents John Tudor’s Magic Workshop for Kids, Saturday, June 25 at 1:00 p.m. Back by popular demand after last season’s sold-out event, the renowned John Tudor brings his special brand of magic and humor to the CCT stage for a command performance, followed by an interactive, hands-on, master class in the art of illusion for children ages 6 and up. Held in CCT’s cozy black box theatre. Visit CCT's website for more information.

Faith and Freedom 2011: Shandon United Methodist Church

Sunday June 26, 2011

Celebrating our FAITH and the FREEDOM we have to share and express it. Musical presentation by the Celebration Choir and Faith and Freedom Singers. Don't forget to wear your red, white and blue! Services at 8:45am and 11:00am in the sanctuary. Shandon UMC website.

Looking for a True Challenge? Saluda Shoals Quest

Sunday June 26, 2011

In this dynamic, fast-paced adventure, your team will face one surprise challenge after another! So, get a team together and join us for the Saluda Shoals Quest Race where smarts can beat speed. Teams of four, ages 16 and older, will race through Saluda Shoals Park. Each team determines their route based on sets of clues provided and must work through and solve unexpected challenges at every stop along the way. All teams start out on a level playing field, but once the race begins, it’s every team for themselves. Teamwork, speed, communication, brain power (and good shoes) are required for success in this team building challenge.
Visit the Irmo Chapin Recreation Commission website for more information!

Music Saves Lives: Five Points

Wednesday June 29, 2011

Hey Big-Hearted Columbia - another opportunity to step up and give back! And to help you feel even better about rolling up your sleeve: great incentives! The Music Saves Lives Blood Drive will take place aboard two Red Cross bloodmobiles which will be located at the Five Points Fountain on Harden Street. Donors will receive VIP passes to the Vans Warped Tour concert (Charlotte 7/28 or Atlanta 8/1) and a bag with a free t-shirt, snacks and special offers from Five Points's restaurants and retailers. Come out and help save lives! Drop by anytime between 9:30 and 2:30 or make an appointment by visiting redcrossblood.org enter sponsor code "mslsc" for a donation time.

Grand Opening! Half Price Lunch! Quisqueya Caribbean Restaurant

Wednesday June 29, 2011

Join in the fun welcoming a new type of cuisine to Columbia with Quisqueya in West Columbia. They'll have a small ceremony right before lunch, and then everyone eats from 12-2pm for half price! If you've been trying to get over there to try it, this is your chance to get some great fresh food... at half price, Wednesday June 29 only!
517 A 12th Street | 803-936-6993 More information.

Columbia is #2 in a National Competition to Receive a Free Fruit Orchard- VOTE NOW!

The Corporation for Economic Opportunity in collaboration, with the City of Columbia, is applying for a grant sponsored by a partnership with Edy’s Fruit Bars, Communities Take Root, and the Fruit Tree Planting Foundation, to bring a fruit tree orchard to Columbia! Columbia has made it to the second round of voting and is currently in 2nd place! A fruit tree orchard could go to a deserving Columbia neighborhood, which would provide FREE fruit to folks within the community and an opportunity to learn about environmental stewardship. You can make help make it happen! Register and vote for Columbia. Voting is open through June 30, 2011. You are allowed to vote once daily, so please login daily and cast your vote for Columbia, SC! CLICK HERE TO CAST YOUR VOTE!

Outdoor Concerts: Multiple Locations

Enjoy an outdoor concert this week at the following: On Friday, June 24, Music at Sandhill features the Casual Kings—Style: Rock, Funk, Soul. While the live music gets underway at 7:00p.m. in Town Center Commons, rides, games, and activities for kids of all ages begin at 5:00p.m. The Summer Concert Series continues on Saturday, June 25 at Finlay Park, 930 Laurel Street in downtown Columbia featuring Second Nature. Concert begins at 8 p.m.

Additional Events, Upcoming Events, News and Special Offers!

The Princess and the Pea: Columbia Children's Theatre

Now through July 28, 2011
Join CCT's vagabond band of actors as they present the Hans Christian Andersen story like you've never seen before! Told in the commedia dell’arte style of last season's wildly popular "Pinocchio," Columbine, Arlequino, Punchin, Rosetta, and Pantalone are back with physical humor and witty banter that breathe new life and energy into this classic tale. Visit the CCT website for more info.

Smokey Joe's Cafe: Trustus

June 17, 2011 - July 28, 2011
Leiber and Stoller, as much as anyone, virtually invented rock 'n' roll, and now their songs provide the basis for an electrifying entertainment that illuminates a golden age of American culture. In an idealized 50's setting, the classic themes of love won, lost and imagined blend with hilarious set-pieces and slice-of-life emotions. Featuring nearly 40 of the greatest songs ever recorded, SMOKEY JOE'S CAFE isn't just great pop music - it's compelling musical theatre. Shows: Thursdays through Sundays only. (Please Note: there will not be a show on Sunday June 26th or Sunday July 3rd.) Visit Trustus website.

Giant Garage Sale! This Saturday!

June 25, 2011

Are you tired of looking at all that unused stuff piled in the garage or attic? Do you wish you had a clue as to what is inside some of those boxes? Time to find out and cash in! Just $17 get you a single table at the Crooked Creek Garage Sales being held on Saturday June 25 at Crooked Creek. Kids Sale too. More info at the ICRC website.

Save the Date(s)! Chitty Chitty Bang Bang: Town Theatre

July 7, 2011 - July 23, 2011
Take an incredible ride with one of the most wonderful families of all time! A widowed, absent-minded, unsuccessful inventor saves a “has been” racing car from the scrap heap at the request of his darling children. He fixes the car up – and boy does he ever – as not only does it run again, it floats and flies! It certainly impresses a beautiful lady who becomes smitten with the entire Potts family. Who would not want such a fantastic car? The Baron and Baroness of Vulgaria certainly do! The royals hire two bumbling spies to kidnap the inventor, but instead they grab Grandpa Potts. The mission becomes to save Grandpa, but in doing so, they must avoid being taken by the Childcatcher whose job is to “make Vulgaria a more beautiful place to live” by making sure no children roam the streets freely! The whole family will love this fantasmagorical Broadway musical! Visit the Town Theatre website for more information!

Town’s 92nd Season presented by BB&T of South Carolina and BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina. Chitty Chitty Bang Bang sponsored by Chick-fil-A (10136 Two Notch and 5440 Forest Dr.); Lexington Medical Center; and the car by Jim Hudson Lexus.

Boom! Boom! Boom!: View Spectacular Lake Murray Fireworks Aboard Spirit of Lake Murray!

Saturday July 2, 2011
Watch the skies light up with the annual fabulous Lake Murray fireworks display from one of the best vantage points on the Lake! The Spirit of Lake Murray Cruise Yacht is offering a Fireworks Cocktail/Reception Style Cruise on Saturday, July 2nd. Boarding begins at 7:30pm and sailing is from 8:00pm - 11:00pm. Enjoy a wonderful menu including Lowcountry Chicken Bog, Spinach Dip with pita chips, shrimp and grits, roast beef po' boys and veggies with herb ranch. Visit the Spirit of Lake Murray website for details.

Save the Date - July 16 - Museum Roadshow: South Carolina State Museum

July 16, 2011

Aunt Martha’s coin silver wine holders, Kewpie dolls, a Picasso drawing, a Japanese bayonet, a Russian samovar, an Edgar Allan Poe first edition – you never know what might turn up at the Museum Road Show! Inspired by PBS’ “Antiques Roadshow,” the program will offer informal (verbal) appraisals of a variety of objects. Museum curators and local experts will be on hand not only to discuss items, but also to provide tips on caring for the objects. Visit the SC State Museum website for more info on the Roadshow!

Appraisal Tickets Sales: 9:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Appraisals: 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Toys and Games Etc: Giant Liquidation Sale!

Did you ever meet a shopkeep who absolutely loved her job, the stuff she sells and made you feel so good about buying from her? That's Mary Havron, owner of Toys and Games Etc.. Walk in there anyday and she's likely to be demonstrating toys, showing families how to play a game on Game Night, or chatting away about finding a particular toy. We hate to see you go, Mary. You're one of a kind! Meet Mary while you can (she hopes to move west soon to spend time with her grandkids) and take advantage of her fantastic sale prices as she liquidates her store. Located on Harbison Blvd. in the shopping center behind Olive Garden. Visit her Facebook page.

Live Latin Music Fridays: Free Salsa Dance Lessons Saturdays | Quisqueya Caribbean Restaurant

Put on your red dress, Mama, cuz we're goin' out tonight! Head over to Twelfth St. in West Columbia to Quisqueya for Live Latin music on Fridays, and salsa dance lessons on Saturdays! Located next to Creative Sewing Center, Quisqueya serves excellent food with a big dose of love from proprietor Amalia! Let her feed you some wonderful Dominican food and then spend the evening enjoying her great deals on Margaritas and other adult libations. You're going to love it! Quisqueya info here.