2012 Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival

Columbia SC Festivals provide fun and excitement for the entire family. Join us for the 3rd Annual Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival coming up on Sunday, July 15, 2012. Enjoy a family-friendly, midsummer's evening event with a free heirloom tomato tasting, live music, high quality food and drink vendors, tomato bobbing, a tomato potluck, the Tasty Tomato Contest, and old time festival fun at City Roots urban farm in Columbia, South Carolina. Check out the details below and plan to meet family and friends at this spectacular Columbia event. Visiting from out of town? Take advantage of special discount hotel rates from our local partners.

Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival 
July 15, 2012 from 5:00PM - 9:00PM

City Roots urban sustainable farm
1005 Airport Blvd, Columbia, SC

Tickets
$10 Advance | $15 Gate
$20 VIP Tomato Potluck 4PM (Bring a Dish)

 www.tastytomatofest.org 

Tasty Tomato Contest
Judging took place on Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Winners will be announced by Sustainable Midlands at the 3rd Annual Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival.

Live Music
Guests are invited to bring blankets and camp chairs to listen to live music throughout the evening. There will also be some hay bales available for seating. Here is the band lineup:

• 4PM to 5PM - DJ Scott Padgett (and between sets until 8:15PM)
• 5PM to 5:45PM - Prettier than Matt
• 5:45PM - Tomato Bobbing with color commentary by Tom Hall
• 6PM to 6:45PM - Buck Stanley
• 6:45PM - Announcement of Tasty Tomato Contest Winners
• 7PM to 8PM - Jahson and the Natty Vibez
• 8:15PM to 9PM - Tom Hall and the Plowboys

Food and Drink

• Tomato Sandwich bar by Rosewood Market & Deli 
• Bone-In Artisan BBQ on Wheels Food Truck
• Spotted Salamander Catering booth (tomato hand pies, etc.)
• Pawley's Front Porch Food Truck (fancy lil burgers, etc.)
• Good Life Cafe (raw, vegan cuisine)
• Chill-Out Pops (handmade popsicles)
• Fresh-squeezed lemonade and non-alcoholic drinks by Perry's Lemonades
• American Harvest Bloody Mary bar with mix by Spotted Salamander Catering
• Fetzer earth-friendly wines
• Beers: Kona Longboard Lager, Magic Hat No. 9, and Widmer Hefeweizen 

VIP Tomato Potluck Ticketholders
Bring an 'outside-the-box' tomato dish to share, featuring at least one sustainable ingredient. The Potluck tickets are $20.

Crafts / Vendors 
Check out the following crafts and vendors at the 2012 Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival: 
Yandle's Market, Mr. B's Sustainable Glass Works, Di Prato's Pimento Cheese, Phoenix Fire Studios, Lil' Blue House, Allison Tierney Studios, Kreative Krafts, Bows Cote, Hand of Artemis, The SC State Fair, Tie One On, Tluca Treaures, Cozie Cool, Paparazzi Jewelry and Accessories

Education
Taste a variety of locally grown heirloom tomato varieties; brose the 3-D city guide to the Midlands sustainable food scene in the Faces of Local Food Tent; self-tour City Roots urban sustainable farm; talk with reps from the Carolina Farm Stewards Association, and more. 

Columbia, South Carolina is getting ready for an exciting weekend at the Palmetto Tasty Tomato Festival. We look forward to seeing you there!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

July 2012 Columbia South Carolina Events

Plan to spend July 2012 with family and friends at these exciting Columbia, South Carolina events. If you are visiting from out of town, visit our website to find places to eat, sleep, and play while you spend time in Columbia, SC!

4th of July Events
Celebrate Independence Day in Columbia, South Carolina with festivals, outdoor adventures, fireworks, and more. Click here for more information Columbia SC July 4th events and start making plans today. Interested in a last minute July 4th getaway? Charleston SC July 4th events and Wilmington NC July 4th events promise to entertain the entire family. Book your reservation today and visit one of these nearby cities to celebrate the fourth!  

Family Fun
Looking for something special to do with your family this month? Columbiana Centre is hosting a FREE Family Fun day on July 10, 2012. Children 7 and under are invited to Family Fun Day to enjoy a puppet show, a make and take art project, Kindermusic, story-time, puzzles and more. Each family will take home retailer offers and coupons. Visit www.columbianacentre.com for more details. Also on July 10th is EdVenture Family Night! Visit EdVenture from 5PM - 8PM and receive $1.00 admission. Finally, if you love Chik-Fil-A, you are in for a special treat this month! On July 13th, black and white spots, cow bells and furry ears will be appropriate attire at Chick-Fil-A restaurants across the nation. In celebration of Cow Appreciate Day, Chik-Fil-A will award a FREE meal to any customer who comes to one of their restaurants dressed as a cow on July 13th.  

July Festivals
The 2012 South Carolina Peach Festival will feature entertaining events such as a dog show, talent night, golf tournament, carnival, road race, BBQ tasting, wrestling show, cornhole tounament, beach party, beauty pageant, care show and lots more. Visit www.scpeachfestival.org for dates and more details. On July 15th, Columbia is the place to be if you enjoy tomatoes. Enjoy a family friendly, midsummer's evening event with a free heirloom tomato tasting, live music, high quality food and drink vendors, tomato bobbing, tomato potluck, homegrown tomato contest, and more. Visit www.tastytomatofest.org for additional information.

Miss South Carolina Pageant 
The Miss South Carolina Pageant brings a week full of entertainment to Columbia, SC. The 2012 Pageant promises to be a vibrant, colorful and exciting event. Panels of judges will evaluate the contestants from the preliminaries through the final night of competition. There will be a live webcast from the Township Auditorium on July 14th from 7PM - 11PM ET. If you are visiting Columbia from out of town for this event, we invite you to take advantage of hotel discounts provided by our local partners.  

Movies
Everybody enjoys a trip to the movies! How about watching a movie outside this month? Visit The Big Mo for a unique drive-in movie experience complete with concession stands and a play area for the kids. Also during the month of July, you can catch a movie at Finlay Park. Bring a picnic basket, blanket, and chairs to these family friendly movies at Finlay Park:

• July 6, 2012 - Mr. Popper's Penguins
• July 13, 2012 - Alvin & the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked
• July 20, 2012 - Rio
• July 29, 2012 - We Bought A Zoo

Call 803-545-3100 for more details about Movies at Finlay Park!

Music & Entertainment
Spend a warm summer evening at Finlay Park and enjoy an outdoor concert. The 2012 Summer Concert Series at Finlay Park features bands like Toyzz Band, Elliott & The Untouchables (Blues), and Ross Holmes Band during the month of July. Visit www.columbiasc.net for additional information. On the weekends, the Vista is full of live entertainment, delicious food, and great drinks specials. Find live music and entertainment on the rooftop at Carolina Ale House and at Wild Wings Cafe on Friday and Saturday nights!

Sports and Outdoor Activities
The Columbia Blowfish are well into the 2012 season. Catch a game at Capital City Stadium and participate in their exciting theme nights like Guaranteed Win Night and Bark in the Park night. Interested in participating in a local sport event? Sign up for the Safe in the City 5k hosted by the Columbia Police Department. Visit www.strictlyrunning.com to register.

Happy July Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

4th of July Events in Columbia South Carolina

Columbia South Carolina 2012 July 4th celebrations include 4th of July family activities, carnivals, parades, concerts, fireworks shows and more. Attend festivals in Columbia with family and friends to celebrate this special July holiday. Check out these exciting things to do on July 4th and start making plans today. If you are visiting from out of town, take advantage of excellent hotel specials from our local partners.We look forward to seeing you at these spectacular July 4th events in Columbia South Carolina!
 
Born In The USA Run
July 4, 2012 at 7:42AM
Start your July 4th celebrations with a 4 Mile Run / Walk. This is a flat and fast course around Forest Acres Lakes. Participants can run as an individual or as part of a 2 person team. Still have not registered? No worries! You still have a few days to register and on site registration will be available starting at 6:30AM. There will be door prizes, donuts, water stops along the course, and more. Visit www.strictlyrunning.com for additional information.

Lexington County Peach Festival
July 4, 2012 at 8:30AM
The Lexington County Peach Festival is recognized as one of the most successful and prestigious events of its kind in the southeast United States. Summer after summer in the 50's, 60's, and 70's, the community was alive with the harvesting, packing, and shipping of peaches. Today, we find only a few peach farms still in operation, however the peach remains (in our minds) the 'Queen of all Fruits' and worth of honor in Lexington, SC. Enjoy the Peach Pageant, Peach Parade, Live Entertainment, Art Contest, Antique Care Show and more. End the night at 10:00PM with a dazzling display of fireworks! 

4th of July Congaree River Kayak Tour
July 4, 2012 at 9:00AM, 1:00PM, and 4:00PM
If you enjoy the outdoors, celebrate the fourth of July with River Runner Outdoor Center in Columbia, South Carolina. Register for a 4th of July tour and kayak along the Congaree River. Kayak tours are two hours long and they leave at 9AM, 1PM, and 4PM. Enjoy a day on the river and still make it home in time for fireworks! Call 803-771-0353 or email riverrunner@sc.rr.com to check availability and register.     

Freedom Festival 2012
July 4, 2012
Village at Sandhill's Annual 4th of July Celebration features carnival rides, a free concert, and fireworks. Country music star Ronnie McDowell will perform at 7:00PM and the mid-state's premier fireworks show will go off at 9:00PM. Village at Sandhill is located at Clemson road and Two Notch Road in Northeast Richland County. Bring your entire family and celebrate the 4th of July at Village at Sandhill. Visit www.villageatsandhill.com for additional information.

Star Spangled Symphonic Salute
July 4, 2012 at 7:00PM
Saluda Shoals Park invites you to a patriotic concert by the Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra. Come early and bring your family for a picnic on the lawn and enjoy an old-fashioned 4th of July. This event will begin at 7:00PM with activities for the kids. The Lake Murray Symphony Orchestra performance begins at 8:30PM featuring Patriotic music, Broadway songs, and sing-alongs. $5.00 per car parking fee. Visit icrc.net for additional information. 

Fort Jackson July 4th Celebration
July 4, 2012 
Fort Jackson's annual celebration of America's independence is scheduled for 8:00PM at Hilton Field. This year's ceremony features a cannon salute to each state and territory of the United States, music by the 282nd Army Band, and a 30 minute fireworks display. Food and drink concessions will be available at Hilton Field starting at 4:00PM. The softball complex will be open to families with small children where visitors can look forward to games, crafts, and carnival type rides. Visit the Fort Jackson website for additional information.

Happy 4th of July Everyone!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Columbia South Carolina June 2012 Events

Happy June Everyone! Columbia, South Carolina is looking forward to a month full of exciting concerts, shows, theatrical performances, sporting events and more. As you make plans with family and friends, we encourage you to check out these June 2012 Columbia South Carolina Events. There are activities and local happenings for people of all ages and interests, so start making your plans today! If you are visiting Columbia from out of town, please visit our website where you will find special hotel deals and a list of local Columbia attractions. Enjoy these memorable Columbia events! 

Featured Event
Join us for the first annual South Carolina Miss Heart of the USA Pageant on June 23, 2012. There will be contestants competing in arious divisions that range from Baby Miss (ages 0-23 months) to Ms (ages 24 and up). The Miss Heart of the USA Pageant encourages fun competition while encouraging participants to get involved with organizations in their community that benefit those in need. Learn more about the SC Miss Heart of the USA Pageant and start making plans to attend with family and friends.

Columbia Sports
The Columbia Blowfish kicked off their 2012 season at the end of May. Blowie the mascot invites people of all ages to join him at Capital City Stadium to cheer on the Blowfish baseball team. Enjoy theme nights such as Guaranteed Win Night, Bark in the Park Night, Thirsty Thursday Games, and more! Occasionally throughout the season there are fireworks after the games. Visit www.blowfishbaseball.com to learn more about their exiting theme nights and order tickets today.

Just for Kids!
The school year is ending and kids are searching for exciting things to do in Columbia, South Carolina during these warm summer months. Kick off your summer with all of their favorite characters from Sesame Street. Sesame Street Live with be at the Colonial Life Arena from June 8 - 10, 2012. Visit www.sesamestreetlive.com for show times and ticket information. Searching for June summer camps? Students in grades 1 - 9 are invited to attend Angry Birds Live. This high flying physics camp offers kids the unique experience of seeing the popular Angry Birds game come to life while they gain an understanding of the fascinating math and physics phenomena that lie behind the game. Call 803-796-7622 for more information. Kids can also attend Rocket Camp this summer! Grades 4-8 are invited to build and launch a straw rocket, bottle rocket, and two model rockets with engines. Visit www.thechallengercenter.net for more details. 

Live Music in Columbia South Carolina
Columbia, South Carolina is full of talented musicians. Rock, Country, Blues, Jazz ... you name it, and there is a show for you! Columbia has been enjoying live entertainment on Saturday evenings as they celebrate Rhythm on the River 2012. Whether you have been at every concert or you are still waiting to catch a show, mark your calendar for these FREE Columbia concerts! Capital City Playboys and the Mobros will be performing on Saturday, June 9th and Whiskey Tango Revue will be performing on June 16th. Visit www.rhythmontheriversc.com for additional information.

Outdoor Adventures
Visit the beautiful Lake Murray for some fun in the sun! Walk across the Lake Murray Dam and enjoy picturesque views or spend the day on the water. Soak in the sun rays as you explore the lake by boat and take part in exciting water sports like water skiing and wake boarding. Hop on a Lake Murray cruise to enjoy dinner and a tour of the lake with family and friends. There are activities and tours for people of all ages and interests at Lake Murray, South Carolina. Visit our Lake Murray page for more details.  

Performing Arts in Columbia, South Carolina
The Columbia Marionette Theatre is proud to introduce a new performance for the month of June. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the show as Pinocchio takes the stage! This unique Columbia experience features incredible puppets and amazing puppeteers. The crew at Columbia Marionette Theatre entertains audiences of all ages. Visit www.cmtpuppet.org and get your tickets today!

Are you hosting or attending an event that is not currently listed on our Upcoming Events page? Please contact us with event details so that we can share your event on our website for FREE. We look forward to hearing from you!

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events

Columbia Blowfish Baseball 2012 Season

The Columbia Blowfish Baseball team and their mascot Blowie are looking forward to an exciting 2012 season. With a new Head Coach, a returning All Star, and a new infielder, the Columbia Blowfish are ready to compete as they celebrate the Coastal Plain League's 16th season. Columbia Blowfish home games at Capital City Stadium feature special activities, discounts, and more that range from Discount Beverage Night to Guaranteed Win Night. Take a glance at the Blowfish Schedule below and get your tickets today so that you can join us at the 2012 Columbia Blowfish baseball games! Visiting from out of town to attend a Blowfish Baseball game? Visit www.ColumbiaSC-Events.com for a list of local hotels and Columbia restaurants. We look forward to seeing you at Capital City Stadium!


Columbia Blowfish Baseball
Capital City Stadium
301 S. Assembly Street
Columbia, SC 29201

2012 Schedule
Reserved Field Level Box Seating: $7.00
General Admission: $6.00
Children 12 & Under, Seniors, Military with IDs: $5.00

In October 2011, the Columbia Blowfish baseball team welcomed a new Head Coach to the team! Brian Buscher, a 2003 All-American at South Carolina and former major leaguer with the Minnesota Twins, served as an undergraduate assistant coach for the 2011 season on the South Carolina baseball team. Buscher played on consecutive College World Series teams in 2002 and 2003 before beginning a seven-year stint in professional baseball highlighted by three years in Major League Baseball with the Twins.

The Columbia Blowfish Baseball Club (member Coastal Plain League) announced the 2012 Roster at the Pepsi Stadium Club during the 7th Annual Media Luncheon at Capital City Park. Head Coach Brian Buscher talked about returning players such as 2011 CPL All Star Zach Smith who will return for his second season at The Cap. In addition to Smith, USC infielder Erik Payne will join the 2012 Blowfish. Players from USC Aiken, USC Lancaster, USC Sumter, Fancis Marion and College of Charleston are providing players from within the State of South Carolina. Players will be joining the Blowfish from as far away as Creighton, Nebraska.

Check out the Columbia Blowfish Schedule to find a list of 2012 home games. Opening Night of the 2012 season is May 30, 2012 at 7:05PM. The first 500 fans will receive a Blowfish magnet schedule upon entrance to the stadium! Throughout the season, there will be special theme nights: On Guaranteed Win Nights, the Blowfish team must win or fans receive a ticket to the next home game. On select nights, kids can bring their ball and glove to play catch on the field with the Blowfish. On Bark in the Park night, dogs are allowed in free! You and your dog can be part of the pre-game Doggy Parade that takes place on the field before the game. With so many fun activities and special discounts, the Columbia Blowfish home games entertain people of all ages and interests. Get your tickets today so that you get to experience these spectacular Columbia baseball games!

 

Danielle Snyder
Columbia SC Events