Community Corner

🌱 Patch AM: Columbia Italian Festival postponed—what’s new about the Oct. 17 plans?

And check out The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival on the Columbia Patch…

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Hey there, Columbia! Let's get started with what's happening in and around town. Read on and stay in the loop. ☀️

In today's newsletter:

  • Columbia Italian Festival postponed—what's new about the Oct. 17 plans?
  • How one Columbia bench is sparking hard talks on homelessness
  • Why Columbia's Nutcracker will sound bigger and cost more soon

Also on today's calendar: The South Carolina Black Film Festival with Queens (NY) Underground International Film Festival and 9 more events.

Today's riddle: Why did the cookie go to the hospital? 🤔 (Answer below!)

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Weather forecast:

  • Friday: Sun through high clouds, with a high of 79 and low of 64 degrees.
  • Saturday: Some rain, temps: high: 72, low: 67.
  • Sunday: A couple of morning t-storms, with a high of 80 and low of 62 degrees.

📰 News we're reading

1. Columbia Italian Festival moved to Oct. 17 due to storm threat (wach.com) — If you were planning to attend the Columbia Italian Festival this weekend, organizers have pushed it back one week to Saturday, Oct. 17, at Finlay Park from 1 to 7 p.m. The free event will still offer Italian food, kids' activities, Ferraris, games, and live entertainment, with city leaders helping secure the new date to keep guests safe from the storm threat.
   

2. 'We all have a part to play': Oliver Gospel's Conversations on a Bench begins (coladaily.com) — A 24‑hour "Conversations on a Bench" event at Oliver Gospel in downtown Columbia is bringing residents, city leaders, and service providers together to talk frankly about homelessness. Local voices stress that Columbia has strong resources but needs better coordination and more open dialogue, urging neighbors to recognize the problem and see how everyone can help address housing insecurity close to home.
   

3. Live orchestra added to South Carolina Ballet Nutcracker performances (thecolumbiastar.com) — Columbia audiences will be the only ones this season to see South Carolina Ballet's Nutcracker with live orchestral accompaniment at all six Koger Center performances. With shows scheduled across two December weekends and matinee ticket prices rising after October 16, residents who buy early can lock in lower prices while enjoying the newly expanded live orchestra experience.
   

4. Former Gamecock WR Sidney Rice to be recognized as an SEC Legend (wistv.com) — Columbia football fans will see a familiar name honored this year as former South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Sidney Rice is being inducted into the 2026 SEC Football Legends class. Rice, who starred in Columbia under Steve Spurrier in 2005 and 2006, set the school record for career receiving touchdowns in just two seasons before a successful NFL career and Super Bowl win.
   

5. South Carolina checks all the boxes for a Northeastern couple (southcarolinapublicradio.org) — A Northeastern couple shares how an unexpected state government job offer led them to build a new life in Columbia. They describe how the capital city's university, Jewish community, and airport access checked every box on their wish list and how, despite distance from family, they've found professional homes and a strong sense of community here.
   

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💬 Chatter

What your neighbors are talking about on social media

  • Dropped my little dark gray wooly worm off at the groomer this morning (Wescott).
    And then picked up a tiny tan pup this afternoon with the cleanest, softest fur!! I love the way Carrie brushed his tail into a gorgeous fan this… (Nextdoor Broad River Corridor)
  • FREE!!!
    Come out and see the resources and things we have to offer the community when it comes to your child's education and other resources. Game truck,… (Nextdoor WildeWood)
  • Aimbridge Hospitality posted a job opening for Homewood Suites Columbia SC - Housekeeper in Columbia. Apply here.
  • Lowes Foods Supermarket posted a job opening for Guest Service Clerk PT in Columbia. Apply here. You can search for other jobs near Columbia here.

Ok Columbia! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!

-- The Patch AM Team

P.S. The answer to today's riddle: "Why did the cookie go to the hospital?" — Because he felt crummy. (Thank you Sanda J. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!

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