See images of the recovery process of a World War II bomber that had been at the bottom of Lake Murray, South Carolina for more than 62 years until it was finally recovered in 2005.  Photograhs, artifacts from the plane and a computer with multiple images of the entire recovery process will be on display. 

Dale Chihuly: Seaforms includes approximately 35 glassworks and preliminary sketches from his Seaform series – colorful, undulating shell-like forms within forms, inspired by the artist’s love of the sea. Chihuly’s Seaforms are reminiscent of sea creatures and shells, yet they are unpredictable abstract configurations with a transparency and colorful luminosity. Families of Seaforms are large vessels with smaller and smaller shapes nestled within them. The accompanying sketches give insight into the artist’s creative process, and are beautiful artworks on their own. Chihuly’s Seaforms were created over a 14-year period during the 1980s and ’90s.

This exhibit, marking the 40^th anniversary of the Tet Offensive, will explore the turbulent events, both overseas and on the homefront, surrounding the biggest single battle of the Vietnam War. Free with museum admission

See images of the recovery process of a World War II bomber that had been at the bottom of Lake Murray, South Carolina for more than 62 years until it was finally recovered in 2005.  Photograhs, artifacts from the plane and a computer with multiple images of the entire recovery process will be on display. 

Don’t Want the Summer Fun to End? Don’t let it and join City Center Partnership downtown this fall to welcome and enjoy the Fall 2008 Main Street Marketplace. The fall marketplace will be held every Friday starting on September 5 and running through October 31 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Boyd Plaza in front of the Columbia Museum of Art. Enjoy lunch from a variety of food vendors or dine at one of the many fine downtown restaurants. Browse through the mix of handmade and unique arts, crafts, jewelry, candles, soaps, and specialty gifts. Admission is FREE to the public. For more information about the Main Street Marketplace or to learn how to become a vendor, please contact Alicia Morgan, the event coordinator, at 803.779.4005 ext. 2042 or Alicia@cartertodd.com.

The Hall of Horrors is a haunted house sponsored by the Cayce-West Columbia Jaycees. All proceeds go back to the community, including Jaycee Camp Hope, a camp for mentally challenged children and adults located at Lake Hartwell in Clemson, SC.

Come out for another great show full of live, local music in Five Points. At 6:30 p.m. the series will welcome Ten Toes Up to the stage followed by Herbie Jeffcoat Project, a guitar-driven jazz-fusion group. A “Wiggles Live” package will be given away between 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. courtesy of the Colonial Life Arena. The package includes 2 free tickets and 2 character meet and greet passes for the Wiggles Live show Saturday, Nov. 15, 2008. As always, the concerts are free and beverages are available. Visit 5 Points Columbia for additional information.

Come out for the 24th Annual MIRCI Shrimp Boil. Make a $15 contribution to MIRCI's homeless programs and receive a delicious Low Country Meal: a combination of shrimp, sausage, corn on the cob, potatoes, and onions with a spicy shrimp seasoning. Dine with us and enjoy live music or pick up dinner from our convenient drive thru. Enter your name for a chance to win a variety of fabulous door prizes.

In its twelfth year, the Carolina Downhome Blues Festival continues to be a must-do weekend in Camden featuring legendary international talent. This year's festival boasts 34 performances by 20 different bands at 12 different sites. We'll have blues for all tastes from traditional acoustic and classic soul to horn-driven funk and power blues rock...and all points in between. Performances take place in a variety of intimate venues--both indoors and out--bringing you the best in blues artistry, up close and personal, the way it was meant to be experienced. Visit the for additional information.

The UU Coffeehouse partners with the Museum to present Shannon Whitworth. Whitworth’s impact in the world of Americana music has created lofty expectations by fans nationwide. As a founding member of the acclaimed acoustic quartet The Biscuit Burners, Whitworth received national praise for her definitive songwriting and captivating voice. With her debut solo release, Whitworth reminds us that innocence has no expectations. Pure, strong and heartfelt, she catches the ears and touches the hearts of even the most unsuspecting bystander. Cash bar, Fair Trade coffee and desserts available for purchase. Tickets $12 or $7 for students; $10 museum members and $5 student members. Tickets can be purchased at the door or in advance by calling 803.799.2810. For more information, visit www.uucoffeehouse.org.

The Helping Hands Hoedown offers lots of family fun and entertainment will benefitting 5 local non profits. Events include a silent auction, street dance, art show, pumpkin carving contest, best dressed pet contest & pet adoption center, vintage custom car & bike show, climbing tower, pie eating cotest, live music, food vendors, local artisans & crafters. Proceeds benefit Meals-On_Wheels, Samaritans Well, Pets Inc., MS Society, Lexington Interfaith Community Services (LICS).

The 12th annual festival will feature an array of events and entertainment including a rocking chair parage, hot dog eating contest, street vendors, a karaoke contest, street music and dancing, food, arts & crafts and much more!

1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

Enjoy the thrill of hands-on science!

How would you like to take your children or grandchildren for a ride on a real passenger train, visit a red caboose or an authentic dining car, or even a Pullman car that once ferried earlier generations across the country? YOU CAN! Come spend an afternoon at the South Carolina Railroad Museum. There's something for everyone! Come see freight cars, passenger cars, and even a real steam engine on display.
And best of all, you can ride the train! We're just minutes from the Interstate, so come join in the fun at the South Carolina Railroad Museum, the official railroad museum of the state! ALL ABOARD!!!

(803)788-7185

The Vista's  many restaurants will present their specialties. Menus for everyone.

The First Ladies' Walk for Life...Steps Against Breast Cancer will be held this Saturday at Finlay Park at 9 a.m.. This is a three mile walk through historic downtown Columbia and you can register the day of the event!

Learn the basics of glass cutting and fusing, glass compatibility, firing, and annealing in this two-day workshop. See examples of what is possible with layering glass. Participants will use layers of glass to create tiles and free-form fused glass pieces such as glass bottle stoppers. All glass objects must go through a firing and annealing process in the kiln, and will not be available for same day pick up. Supplies included. $155 or $120 for members. To register, visit columbiamuseum.org, e-mail gjackson@columbiamuseum.org or call 803.343.2187.

Admission only $1 today!

Featuring early jazz, the jazz that developed in the South, and especially in New Orleans, shortly after the turn of the last century and then spread throughout the world. It captures the joyous and adventurous spirit of America better than its descendants.

The City of Columbia will host the 2nd Annual Green is Good for Business Conference at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The conference is intended to educate and encourage the business community to better understand and take action regarding Climate Protection. For more information on the conference, please contact Missy Gentry at 803.545.3782 or or msgentry@columbiasc.net.

Flowers, baked goods, canned goods, needlework, quilting, fine art, student art, livestock, agriculture, amusement rides, grandstand entertainment and lots of food await visitors.

Palmetto Conservation Foundation, Wachovia and a host of outdoor organizations are bringing to Columbia the first annual "Reel Action" Festival of Film and Outdoors. As the summer heat breaks, it's the perfect time to experience the Midlands natural attractions; learn new skills; take some chances; and open up new avenues to fun and healthy outdoor living. The "Reel Action" Festival provides an opportunity for you to participate in many activities you have always wanted to try: make your own film and win a prize (bring your friends to see the results!); meet an award winning author and learn about a mountain climbing mystery; enjoy cocktails and great food; learn to mountain bike, kayak, rock climb, canoe; participate in a hike or a bike ride; learn all about what gear is best for different outdoor sports; participate in a Farmer's Market; and meet people well versed in many outdoor activities. The Festival runs from the 9-12 of October.

Folk art, traditional handicrafts, South Carolina barbecue, bluegrass, “newgrass,” children’s activities and much more! Featured Community Partner Stroman Beauty Supply. 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Most activities and demonstrations held outside are free, those held inside are free with general Museum admission. South Carolina State Museum, 803-898-4921, www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org

FREE FIRST TIME HOME BUYER SEMINAR Bank of America, Insight Home Inspections & Russell and Jeffcoat Realtors will host a FREE First Time Home Buyer seminar on Saturday, October 11th at 4:00 pm. The seminar will be held in the lobby of the US Post Office contract unit in the Crossroads Shopping Center at 6903 Saint Andrews Rd. - Unit 1, Columbia, SC 29212. The post office is located behind Little Caesars Pizza and next to CrossRoads Middle School (just past Irmo High School & Harbison Blvd.). Guest speakers will give useful information on: • How the loan process works • What steps you can take to qualify for credit and stay within your budget • Free credit report • Information on $0 closing fees • $7500 First Time Home Buyer Tax Credit • State Housing First Time Home Buyer down payment assistance program • What home repair issues to look for when purchasing a home • What steps to take before searching for a home • What to expect after signing the contract to purchase a home, and more………. A PRIZE DRAWING will be held and gift certificates will be given away for local restaurants and entertainment. All attendees will receive a Lowes 10% off coupon by mail. Light refreshments will be served. Attendees will walk away from this seminar well informed before purchasing a home. Space is limited! To reserve your seat and take advantage of this unique opportunity, please call Anita Smith at (803) 467-0772.

Enjoy an evening of "Light Classics and Popular Songs" when Light the Way with Music and Art hosts its second concert to aid the Midland's homeless. The concert features Tina Milhorn Stallard, soprano; Helen Tintes, mezzo soprano; Klaus Schuermann, bass; and Charles Fugo, pianist. All proceeds will go towards the Homeless Transition Center, a comprehensive center to help the homeless transition from homelessness to employment and permanent housing. The concert series is co-sponsored by the Midlands Interfaith Homelessness Action Council, a partnership of local houses of worship, advocates for the homeless, and the business community. Donations of $10 or more per person per concert are suggested.

"Clarity of Mind" meditation day course with Kelsang Nyema, an American Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Ganden Buddhist Center on Main Street. $15 for part one or two; $25 for the day Meditation is the primary cause of inner peace, and leads to a clarity of mind that cannot be found using other methods. During this day course, the teacher will introduce basic meditation techniques that can be used by anyone, regardless of experience with Buddhism and/or meditation. Whether we want to begin a meditation practice, or we want to enhance our existing meditation practice, this course will help us build the clarity of mind we desire.

It's that time of year again!! When the weather gets cool and the spices get hot! That's right, it's Group Therapy's 22nd annual Chili Cook-Off in Five Points! Come check out the competition as chili cooks from all over show off their famed recipes. Eat some chili, drink a beer and listen to live music!! Chili Cooks will start their cooking at 9:00am.

The food and arts festival is open to the public. Come see area artists’ work on display, enjoy live entertainment, shop craft vendors, try the fare of local restaurants, and help judge the “people’s choice” award in the annual chili cook-off! For more information, please call The Greater Chapin Chamber of Commerce @ 803-345-1100.

Donizetti’s delightful 1843 opera buffa

The Columbia, SC opening of the national art show - Dr Seuss for President - kicks off with a fun, non-partisan political rally. The Show itself opens at HoFP Gallery, 2828 Devine St, on Tuesday, October 14 from 5:30 - 9:30pm and runs thru Election Day, Tuesday, November 4. Fun for kids of all ages, the Five Points event is a family-oriented celebration of American politics and our "candidate", Theodor Seuss Geisel, a.k.a. Dr.Seuss. The rally will offer an atmosphere of patriotic music, balloons, buttons and posters and features appearances by political personalities. Presentations on the career of one of America's best-loved authors and the influence of Dr.Seuss on American life, education and culture will be capped off by a guest appearance of The Cat In the Hat!

It's Columbus Day & EdVenture is open!!!!

This class introduces participants of all levels to the tradition of the Flemish oil painting technique. Participants learn the logical steps of the art of still life. The class addresses the choice of materials and supplies, preliminary studies, charcoal drawings, underpainting, glazing and varnishing. Participants learn how to overcome the basic challenges of painting in oil from life and rendering three-dimensions out of two-dimensions. The class will not meet on November 26. Supplies not included. $195 or $160 for members. To register, visit columbiamuseum.org, e-mail gjackson@columbiamuseum.org or call 803.343.2187.

The 4th Annual Ladies Night Out – one of the most talked about events of the year celebrates the Museum’s fall exhibition, Dale Chihuly: Seaforms in style with libations and entertainment by DJ Peter A. Admission is $20 or $10 for members. Admission fee can be used towards the purchase of a new membership. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more information, visit columbiamuseum.org, e-mail leah@columbiamuseum.org, or call 803.343.2197.

Help fund bulletproof vests for law enforcement officers by eating at CiCi’s Pizza on Thursday, Oct. 16th. CiCi’s and In-Vest USA are teaming up to keep law enforcement officers safe. CiCi’s restaurants in the midlands will set aside a portion of the day’s proceeds to donate to In-Vest, a Richland County-based charity which raises money to equip law enforcement with bulletproof vests. In-Vest will be holding a vest presentation on that day at the CiCi’s Village at Sandhill location, presenting vests to the Irmo, Swansea and Elgin police departments.

Join us at a Charity fundraising event for HOMEWORKS OF AMERICA on Thursday October 16,2008 from 6: 00 pm to 9: 00 pm at House Brand 5143 Forest Drive Columbia ,S.C. in the Old Steak & Ale. Shop for special discounts on House Brand merchandise, enjoy refreshments, hors d’oeuvres, and complimentary cigar bar. Register to win a painting done by a Columbia based artist, plus a percentage of all purchases go directly to HOMEWORKS so that necessary repairs can make people’s lives more wonderful. Just know that your home works because of House Brand!

Put on your cutest costume and head over to Riverbanks Zoo and Garden for the annual Halloween spook-tacular, Boo at the Zoo. The family-friendly Halloween event runs from 6 to 9pm each evening.  Children 12 and under are invited to wear costumes for a spook-fest complete with Frankenstein's Foam Zone, an eeky freaky DJ dance party and a trick-or-treat trail with candy and more! Kids can also venture inside the Crow's Nest Hay Maze, ride on the haunted carousel and explore the Zoo at night! 

(803)777-4274 

They will be making Pumpkin Smoothies, Roasted Pumpkin Seeds, Spiced Pumpkin Mini Tarts, and Jack O’ Lantern Cupcakes! Bring your own pumpkin and we’ll have a pumpkin carving contest! The winner will win 2 Free Classes! The cost is $25 per child and reservations are required. Please call 749-0670 or e-mail irmosc@youngchefsacademy.com for more information and to make reservations.

Especially for kids, this annual family Halloween event includes games, crafts, balloon art, face painting and much more! Free with Museum general admission. Featured Community Partner Eastman Chemical. 803-898-4921, www.southcarolinastatemuseum.org.

Saluda River Club, Lexington

The parade of homes offers the opportunity to explore multiple brand-new, fully decorated and landscaped homes in the Midlands' newest neighborhoods. Attendees will navigate through each home, gathering the latest in new home construction techniques adn home decoration ideas. Discount tickets will be available at all Columbia area Publix Supermarkets for $6 per person. Children 12 and under are admitted for free. A portion of all tickets sold at Publix will benefit the Harvest Hope Food Bank. Tickets sold at the gate will cost $7 per person.

In loving memory of those who preished during the Ocean Isle house fire last year, USC's Greek Life in conjunction with Five After Five will be holding the first annual Carolina Remembrance concert on Thursday October 23, 2008. Money raised during the event will go the Carolina Remembrance fund, a scholarship program at USC. Live Music by Villanova and Danger Muffin. 6:30pm - 10:00pm. Extra activites include student slide show, T shirt sales & beverages for sale

Calling all the young at heart, come join the Young Chef’s Academy and learn the secrets to the most fabulous soups ever! Join they’re laid back adult cooking classes and bring your favorite adult beverage. Learn to make Blue Onion Soup, Roasted Butternut Squash Soup, Pumpkin Soup with Sage and Sweet Italian Sausage, and Classic Wonton Soup. The cost is $35 per adult and reservations are required. Please call 749-0670 or e-mail irmosc@youngchefsacademy.com for more information and to make reservations.

Live music by Danielle Howle. Advance tickets are $20 for members/$25 for non-member. Tickets at the door are $25 for members/$30 for non-members. Tickets include admission to the auction, food and drinks. For tickets & information call 803.252.7742 x 27 or email ewalsh@historiccolumbia.org

Get ready for a night of frightful fun! You’re your scariest costume and spend the night with the Museum’s ghosts, ghouls and goblins! Enjoy fiendish food, eerie entertainment and much more in this event for the entire family. Recommended for children ages 5 – 12 accompanied by adults. Registration deadline Oct. 17. $20 adults/$25 children; Friends of the State Museum $15 adults/$20 children. For more information or to register call (803) 898-4901 or e-mail campin@scmuseum.org.

Passport to Art Saturdays is a free monthly open studio program for families featuring creative hands-on art projects.

The festival will include the following….and MORE: Bocce Tournament, Italian Automobile Show, Italian Music, Songs and Tarantella Dance, Authentic Italian Meals, Antipasto, Pizza, Desserts, Pastries and Gelato, Beverages, including Italian wine and beer labels, Circus Adventure Puppet Show, Children’s Games , Evening Street Dance (variety of music): The Sterling Band, The Mike Tronco Band and The Sensational EPICS. The festival is open to the public and admission is free. Food and beverage purchases require tickets, which will be sold inside the park. For more information about the festival, contact Sons of Italy Lodge 2808 – Columbia, PR and Communications Director Trisha Pizzuti-Bockus at sonsofitaly2808@bellsouth.net.

First Annual Crime Prevention Fair at the Columbia Place Mall (located at the Two Notch, Decker, and Parklane intersection). The event starts at 10:00am and goes until 3:00pm. We will have demonstrations, events, games, contests, give aways, the vehicles on display and much much more! Bring the whole family for a great time with the Sheriff's Department!!!

Join Suddeth Automotive for a FREE women's car care seminar to include demonstrations, hands-on activities, question & answer session, goodie bags, door prizes and refreshments. To register call 803.256.2110.

Fitting for the week before Halloween, the SCP continues its 45th Anniversary season with Ghostbusters. Taking to the stage are Gregory Wang, Joshua Brooks and Cwen Home, the winners of the 2008 Southeastern Piano Festival's Arthur Fraser Concerto Competition. Each performs a movement from convertos by Beethoven, Brahms and Saint-Saens, respectively! The evening also includes Johannes Brahams' First Symphony and Black Bend by young American composer Dan Visconti, a short work inspired by a ghost story along a river bend in northern Ohio that's complete with the eerie sounds of birds, insects and an out-of-control passenger train. Tickets are $42, $34, $24, $16 and $12.

"Clarity of Mind" meditation day course with Kelsang Nyema, an American Buddhist nun and the Resident Teacher of Ganden Buddhist Center on Main Street. $15 for part one or two; $25 for the day Meditation is the primary cause of inner peace, and leads to a clarity of mind that cannot be found using other methods. During this day course, the teacher will introduce basic meditation techniques that can be used by anyone, regardless of experience with Buddhism and/or meditation. Whether we want to begin a meditation practice, or we want to enhance our existing meditation practice, this course will help us build the clarity of mind we desire.

HalloWonka is Edventure’s “sweet family celebration" held annually each October. This year's events will be October 28 - 31 from 5:30 - 8:00 pm. HalloWonka provides a safe and fun opportunity for children to partake in sweet family fun! Join all of your friends at the Members-Only Preview Party! The Preview Party evening (Tuesday, October 28th from 5:30 - 8:00 pm) is a special night just for EdVenture museum members that includes unique entertainment from Tara Scheyer and the Mud Puppy Band, roving magician John Tudor, balloon twister Ralph Summer, musician Becca Rietz and Keith Cargall from the Nature Company. The evening also includes a fun candy bar raffle with “golden tickets” tucked inside - winning tickets will receive one of several fabulous baskets with offerings from local businesses. Delicious Preview Party food and drink has been secured from Coca-Cola, Little Pigs, Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Congaree Grill, The Melting Pot, D's Wings and Yesterday's. The HalloWonka Preview Party also includes special characters, pumpkin painting and more! Don't miss out on the fun! Tickets are $10 per person in advance or $12 per person at the door. Tickets may be ordered online at www.edventure.org or by calling 400-1152.

Music plus art equals a magical experience with this acclaimed chamber concert series that takes place in the Museum’s DuBose Poston Reception Hall. Charles Wadsworth of Spoleto Festival fame and renowned young musicians present memorable concerts throughout the year. $35 or $30 for members. Season tickets available. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit columbiamuseum.org or call 803.343.0482.

All Hallows Eve celebration free to public features artists Rick bischoff & Jon Roueche. Fire Dancer Cassidy Switzer will perform to the live music of Sountain. Celebration follows downtown art crawl beginning 5:30pm at 201 W.Gay St and ending 8:30pm 107 S.Main St. with an "art draw". Bob Doster's Gallery is located in a row of historic pool halls/cafes in downtown Lancaster & features the work of reknowned sculptor Bob Doster & a host of local/regional/national artists. Indoor & outdoor gallery & garden, working artist studios make up this row of four buildings known as "Backstreet".

Kids, dress up in your favorite costume and celebrate Halloween at PLEX! There will be: Costume Contests, Face Painting, Popcorn, Spooky Inflatables Games with awesome Prizes, Mystery dinner, and LOTS OF CANDY! You don’t want to miss this fun night! ATTENTION Parents! Let your kids trick or treat at Plex. All you have to do is drop the kids off with us while you enjoy an evening in the Village. The cost is $20 per child. If you would like to drop in with the kids, the cost is $10. (Dinner not included) Register Now!

On Halloween Night the Ballentine Fire Department on Broad River Road (just past the Dutch Fork split) will be hosting a Halloween Carnival. Its a great and safe time for the kids and families. They have food, candy, games, events and demonstrations for the whole family. I attend this event each year and have a wonderful time with the community. So, come out, get in your best costume and have a great time with your local fire department!