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May 16, 2019

Summer is on its way, and with it all sorts of fun summer events to keep your long days busy. Take a look at the fun events coming to town this July.U.S. Soldiers assigned to the 246th Army Band, South Carolina National Guard, perform musical numbers at the Soda City Market on Main St. in Columbia, South Carolina, June 24, 2017. The mission of the 246th Army Band is to share the National Guard story through music as part of their annual summer concert tour which takes them across multiple communities in the state of South Carolina.  (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Tech. Sgt. Jorge Intriago)

2019 STEM Summer Institute 1.0: Foundational STEM Instruction

Once the classrooms have emptied, summer is a great time for teachers to expand their knowledge. Science, Math, and other educators interested in the STEM curriculum can learn some new skills and creative curriculum ideas during the STEM Summer Institute held at the Orangeburg-Calhoun Technical College. From July 15-18, each day offers a different focus area with exciting, hands-on activities and learning. 

The Gathering Custom Automotive Show

In nearby Cayce, South Carolina, the historic Columbia Speedway comes alive at the Gathering Custom Automotive Show on July 26. In addition to a huge array of cool antique and custom cars, enjoy such summer attractions as a bounce house, water slide, food, and many more goodies. Bring the whole family for a fun day looking under the hood of some truly amazing automobiles.

Lexington County Peach Festival

There is no clearer sign that summer is officially underway than the annual Lexington County Peach Festival. Named the best event by Lexington Life magazine, this July 4th tradition is full of events, food, and fun that brings the whole community to town.

The Peach Parade starts the day off on the right foot, marching down several blocks of downtown Gilbert, South Carolina. Enjoy the spectacle of the endlessly creative floats, thoughtfully decorative vehicles, and even patriotic pedestrians as they wind through town. Entries are judged, and awards given to the top three finishers in each of the different categories.

In advance of the actual parade, come watch the Miss Lexington County Peach Festival Beauty Pageant on June 15th. Winners in each of the age divisions will have a chance to practice their best princess waves atop a float in the Peach Parade on July 4.

Soda City Market

Nearby Columbia is host to the weekly Soda City Market every Saturday, where residents and visitors can come experience the sights, sounds, and tastes of this European-style market.

Nearly 150 vendors come to the market each week to offer a wealth of food and artisanal products made locally in South Carolina. Hungry visitors can enjoy local farm fresh produce or amazing pre-made meals. About a dozen food trucks are on site that offer a wide sampling of delicious treats. If that’s not enough of a selection, check out all of the other options from local businesses, from delis and bakeries to shops serving up brews both alcoholic and caffeinated.

The area in and around Orangeburg is packed full with cultural activities, delicious food, and special holiday events that bring the whole family and community together for fun and excitement. Make the most of July when you check out these and many other local offerings.

Image by SC Guard via no copyright