Pretty Girls: Concept Consumerism

Opening Reception Friday June 1, 2012 5pm-10pm

The second annual show will feature over 50 local artists, both male and female, and will display art consisting of individual, philosophical and/or political views on a consumerist view of feminism. The event benefits the non-profit Friends of the Tapp’s Arts Center for Youth Art programs. Pretty Girls is a mixed-media exhibition including 2-D to 3-D sculpture, interactive art, installation art, and traditional mediums. The opening reception will include a variety of performance art, music, dance and film. This collective showcases through a diversity of ideas their perceptions of consumer and feminist culture. The show will hang through the month of June, and Tapp’s will feature Pretty Girls during First Thursday on Main, Thursday, June 7. Info at Tapps Art Center website.

SC Fresh Fest: South Carolina State Farmers Market

Saturday June 2, 2012

A festival that celebrates something we all LOVE... Fresh Food and Feeling Great! The day starts off with 5K and 10K races and a Walk to Fight Diabetes. Once your blood's pumping, check out the health fair exhibits or let Diane give you a Zumba lesson! There will be a Food Truck Round-up with free BLT's served to the first 500 as well as other treats to enjoy and a Watermelon Eating Contest starts at 12 noon! Music all day as well as Kid's Fun Zone. Find out more at the SC Fresh Fest website.

Women’s Health in Full Bloom

Saturday, June 2, 2012 8:30 a.m.– 1:30 p.m.
To be held at Palmetto Health Baptist, 1501 Sumter St., ground-floor auditorium. This free event will feature motivational speakers as well as lunch, music, prizes and an exercise session. Health information booths also will be available. From 8–11 a.m., those who qualify can receive a free clinical breast exam, mammogram and diabetes blood test. Women are invited to bring their husbands for free diabetes and prostate screenings. Registration is required. Call 296-CARE(2273) to register.

Nature Discover Hike: Congaree National Park

Saturday June 2, 2012 9:30am

Join a park volunteer on a guided boardwalk hike to explore the forest, looking and listening for animals. Meet at the Harry Hampton Visitors Center. Free admission. For info go to the Congaree National Park's website.

Ribs & Renaissance Festival: North Columbia

Saturday June 2, 2012

North Columbia will be a blast on June 2 and not because of the summer heat. The Ribs & Renaissance Festival is back and ready to spice up your summer festival season. Just like a secret barbeque sauce recipe, the Eau Claire Community Council is blending food, fun and family entertainment to bring you an excellent community event. So bring your family and friends to Ribs & Renaissance Festival at the Eau Claire Town Center from 10 am – 8 pm. Soul Singer Dwele will be there! Details at the Ribs and Renaissance website.

Fight for Air Climb Columbia

Saturday June 2, 2012

Here's an interesting race if there ever was one. Fight for Air Climb Columbia challenges participants to climb 25 floors of the Capitol Center Building in downtown Columbia. This is a professionally timed and ranked event with start times every 10-20 seconds, giving participants an opportunity to compete against the clock and conquer the tallest building in the city. Whether your goal is to just reach the top or be the first to cross the finish line, you walk away with a newfound respect for your lungs! All proceeds from the climb benefit the American Lung Association's mission to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease. For details, visit the Fight for Air website.

Volunteer! Home Works Summer Session

Sunday June 3, 2012 - Friday June 8, 2012

Lend a hand in helping to repair the homes of the needy around the Columbia area. The volunteers work on painting, cleaning up, cleaning out, roof replacement, ramp construction... whether you have an hour, a day, a week, or a year, you are needed. Learn more at the Home Works website.