This Week's Top 10 Things to Do for Columbia SC - Brought to you by Gardener Guide

May 14 - May 20, 2010
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Through Sunday, May 30 Only! Color Vision. Color Vision: African-American Masters from the Permanent Collection explores the politics of race and identity from the vantage point of African-American artists working in the 20th century and today. Each object, selected from the Museum’s collection, gives insight into how the artists see themselves and the African-American experience. Their works confront and provoke viewers into rethinking the problematic past. On exhibit through May 30th. Visit the Columbia Museum of Art for more information.

Friday, May 14-Thursday, May 20. Last Summer at Bluefish Cove. Lil, trying to escape the stress of her illness heads to Bluefish Cove, where she meets Eva. Even though wires are crossed, Eva and Lil begin an unexpected friendship that fuels Lil's happiness and helps her cope with her impending illness. The action leads to a touching climax that you'll remember days after leaving the theatre. Shows through May 29. Visit Trustus Theatre for show times and more information.

Friday, May 14 & Saturday, May 15. 23rd Annual BBQ Cook-Off Festival! Mark these dates on your calendar as the tastiest days in Columbia! This two-day fundraiser pits cookers from all over the state against each other to see who can create the best tasting BBQ. All proceeds from the event benefit Carolina Children's Home and the many children we serve. So come on out to this family-friendly event, eat delicious food and have fun for a great cause! SC State Fairgrounds. Visit Carolina Children's Home for more information and a schedule of events.

Saturday, May 15. Red Cross May Day! Come out for a family-fun day with a Fireman's Chili Cook-off, Fireman Competitions, Just Plain Dog Show, face painting, pony rides, puppet shows, live auction, art sale, awesome food and much more! 10 am-3 pm | Downtown Winnsboro. Call the Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 803-635-4242 for more information.

Saturday, May 15. Gaither Homecoming Tour 2010! A full evening of entertainment and meaningful music is a rare treat anytime, but when the occasion includes the best-loved voices in gospel music… it’s a must-see celebration! An evening hosted by Bill Gaither and featuring Wes Hampton, David Phelps, Michael English and Mark Lowry* is one you can’t miss. It will leave you encouraged, grateful and most certainly smiling! 3 pm. Visit the Colonial Life Arena for more information and to purchase tickets.

Saturday, May 15 & Sunday, May 16. Palette to Palate. Come out for art, music, food and fun! Enjoy art on view and for sale from some of the area's best known and admired artisans. Listen to the musical sounds of Coolie G and Lion Soul from 4-6 pm! Sample specialties from the Village's restaurant and beverage vendors from 3-6 pm ($1 tickets on sale). Visit Village at Sandhill for more information.

Sunday, May 16. Arboretum. Located east of Shandon in the Sherwood Forest neighborhood is a seven-acre tract with a long looping trail which makes navigating the USC Belser Arboretum a breeze. The wooden chip path crosses over a stream by waterfalls, and to a lovely Zen garden. Volunteers have put up dozens and dozens of unobtrusive tags and plaques explaining it all. On the third Sunday of every month, it opens its doors to the public for three hours. What a nice way to spend a Sunday afternoon! Visit the Arboretum for additional information.

Tuesday, May 18. HOOTENANNY ‘A Senior Celebration’! This annual event at The Historic Keenan House is a must for everyone over 50! The fun starts at 10 am with bingo from 1 pm-2 pm. This year’s theme is an Hawaiian Luau, so don your shirts & hats and join us for the fun! Door prizes will be given away all day long. There will also be entertainment and information booths designed with seniors in minds. Free | 10am-2pm | Keenan House 801 Wildwood Avenue. Visit the City of Columbia for more information.

Thursday, May 20. 5 After 5. Kick back and enjoy the beautiful weather and a cold one with The Reason You're Listening and Tropic of Cancer Band! Visit Five Points for more information.

Thursday, May 20. Northeast Farmers' Market. The Northeast Farmers Market features fresh fruits and vegetables, free range meats, lovely flowers and plants, delicious baked goods, local honey, certified organic produce, soaps and potpourri, farm fresh eggs and cheese and more. Free | 4:30 pm-7:30 pm | Town Center | Every Thursday until late November. Visit Lake Carolina for more information.

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