News Summary
Columbia is gearing up for several enriching community events. Highlights include ‘Toucan Tuesdays’ at Riverbanks Zoo promoting food donation, ‘Smarty Paws and Heroes’ by Kershaw County Humane Society to support pet adoption, and the vibrant Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade celebrating culture. Additional activities include Accessibility Mornings at the SC State Museum and an affordable youth golf program. These events aim to foster community spirit and provide entertainment while supporting local causes.
Columbia is buzzing with excitement as several community events are set to take place in the coming weeks, offering entertainment, education, and support for local causes. Key highlights include the enthusiastic kickoff of “Toucan Tuesdays” at Riverbanks Zoo, the Kershaw County Humane Society’s “Smarty Paws and Heroes” event, and the vibrant Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade.
Toucan Tuesdays at Riverbanks Zoo
Riverbanks Zoo is joining forces with Harvest Hope to launch “Toucan Tuesdays,” a community initiative designed to encourage food donations while providing fun-filled experiences for guests. Each Tuesday through August 12, visitors who bring two cans, bags, or boxes of non-perishable food items will benefit from buy-one-get-one admission tickets to the zoo, as well as buy-one-get-one regular-sized icees. Donation bins are conveniently located at both the zoo and garden entrances, making it easy for families to participate in this initiative while enjoying a day out.
Smarty Paws and Heroes Event
This upcoming Friday, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., the Kershaw County Humane Society will host the “Smarty Paws and Heroes” event at their facility located on Black River Road. The event celebrates heroes in the community while promoting pet adoption. To encourage families to adopt pets, adoption fees will be discounted by half during the event. Additionally, teachers and first responders will be treated to a complimentary meal, acknowledging their service and dedication to the community. This event highlights the importance of companionship through pet adoption and offers a fun-filled day for all attendees.
Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade
The 9th annual Juneteenth Freedom Fest and Parade is scheduled for Saturday, June 21, from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. This lively festival will take place on Sumter and Gervais Streets, showcasing the rich culture and vibrant community of Columbia. Free admission allows all residents to enjoy live music, delicious food trucks, games, and a range of other activities. This event serves as an important reminder of freedom and culture within the community, encouraging familial bonds and shared experiences.
Accessibility Mornings and Museum Activities
On June 14, the South Carolina State Museum will once again offer accessibility mornings from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. This program provides a quieter, sensory-friendly environment for guests with disabilities, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to enjoy the museum’s exhibits. The South Carolina State Museum will also extend its hours on select Fridays throughout the summer, featuring popular exhibits and films from the Disney Heroes and Villains Costume exhibit, making it a summer destination for families.
Affordable Golf Program for Youth
Encouraging youth participation in sports, Bank of America is rolling out its “Golf with Us” program, enabling young players aged 6 to 18 to play golf for $5 or less per round. This initiative not only promotes physical activity but also allows participants to earn a registered handicap with the U.S. Golf Association. Parents are urged to sign up their interested children for this unique opportunity by June 15.
Community Fundraiser for the Truesdale Family
In response to a local family’s needs, Capital City Cornhole is organizing a fundraiser to benefit the Truesdale Family, whose eight-year-old daughter is currently hospitalized due to a virus. The community’s support is crucial during this difficult time, and the fundraiser aims to alleviate some of the financial burdens faced by the family. This event underscores the strength of community solidarity in challenging times.
These diverse events reflect Columbia’s commitment to community engagement, celebration of culture, and support for local causes, providing residents with numerous opportunities to participate, give back, and enjoy the vibrant life that the city has to offer.
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Columbia to Host Public Meeting for Williams Street Extension Project
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Weekend Events in Columbia, S.C.
Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Toucan Tuesdays and Smarty Paws Event
- Wikipedia: Juneteenth
- ABC Columbia: Juneteenth Freedom Fest
- Google Search: Community Events Columbia
- ABC Columbia: Juneteenth Programs and Golf Initiative
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Healthy Living
- ABC Columbia: Cornhole for a Cause
- Google News: Columbia Community Fundraiser
Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.
