TODAY
An Empty the Shelter event will be held through May 14 at the Aiken County Animal Shelter, 333 Wire Road. Adoption fees will be waived or reduced for dogs in need of loving homes. Shelter hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit fotas.org.
Aiken Spring Farm Fest will be held at 8:30 a.m. today at the Aiken County Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St. S.E. The event will feature a variety of informational vendors, youth activities including a coloring contest, refreshments, a honey tasting, children’s activities and touch-a-tractor.
Jane Herlong will sign copies of her book, “Sweet Tea Secrets from the Deep-Fried South,” from 1 to 4 p.m. today at Fox and Lady, 101 Laurens St. S.W.
Ask a Master Gardener will be at the Aiken Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St. S.E., from 8 a.m. to noon today.
Aiken Music Fest will be held from 6-10 p.m. today at the Highfields Event Center, 118 Gaston Road. The opening band is Ken Gabriel followed by the Taylor Scott Band. Tickets are $15 per person. The event also will feature the Aiken County Crafters and kids’ activities. For more information, visit aikenmusicfest.com.
Horses and Harmony III will be held at 3 p.m. today at Stable View Farm, 117 Stable Drive. Gates open at 2:15 p.m. Tickets are $85 per person or $680 for a reserved table of eight. Dinner will be catered by Blue Collard. For more information, visit aikensymphonyguild.org.
Aiken Equine Rescue will host The Run for the Roses from 4:30 to 8 p.m. today at WingPlace, 732 E. Pine Log Road. This afternoon will featured watching the races, prizes, giveaways, raffles, stick horse race, silent auction and more. Tickets include food, iced tea, mint julep drink and a T-shirt. Tickets are $40 for adults and $30 for children under 15 in advance. Tickets at the door will be $45 per adult and $35 per child.
A gospel singing will be held at 6 p.m. today at the Midland Gospel Singing Center, 705 Martin Smith Road, Gilbert. The Infinity Quartet and Steven Craps will perform. Admission is free. Social distancing will be observed. A love offering will be accepted. For more information, visit midgsc.com.
The Aiken County Veterans Council will hold a Sleepout for Homelessness from 6 p.m. to 6 a.m. today at 1179 Edgefield Road, North Augusta. For more information, visit the veterans council on Facebook.
The Johnston Peach Blossom Festival will be held today in downtown Johnston. The event will feature vendors, food, entertainment and more. For more information, visit johnstondevelopmentcorp.org.
Family Earth and Sky Night will be held beginning at 6 p.m. today at the Ruth Patrick Science and Education Center on the campus of USC Aiken 471 University Parkway. Hands-on activities will be available from 6-9 p.m., night sky viewing will be available from 8:30-10:30 p.m., and planetarium shows will be from 6-9 p.m. and start every hour. Hands-on activities and night sky viewing are free. Planetarium shows are $6.50 for adults, $5.50 for seniors, $4.50 for students 4K-12th grade, and $2 for USCA students faculty and staff. For more information, visit usca.edu/rpsec.
Keep Aiken County Beautiful will hold a cleanup at 9 a.m. today on Charleston Highway/Highway 78. For more information, visit [email protected].
MONDAY
The Aiken Artist Guild will meet at 6:30 p.m. Monday, May 9, at the Aiken Center for the Arts, 122 Laurens St. S.W. Katherine Larson will be the guest speaker. The meeting is open to the public.
The Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through June. Preston and Weston will perform at 7 p.m. Monday at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can park at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
MAY 10
The AAA/South Aiken Baptist Christian School Band will perform its spring concert, The Sound of Music, at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 10, in the gym at South Aiken Christian School, 980 Dougherty Road. The concert will feature music from “The Sound of Music,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Ballet of Young Americans,” “Sempre Fidelis” and “The Last Train to Cleveland.” Student conductors will be DJ Spence, Micah McNamee and James Rochester. The concert is free and open to the public. For more information, email Barb Rollins at [email protected].
The Aiken Newcomers’ Club will meet Tuesday, May 10, at Newberry Hall, 117 Newberry St. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. followed by the meeting at 10:15 a.m. The guest speaker will be Melissa Sinclair with Palmetto Moon Travel. Her topic will be tips and tricks to get the most out of your travel dollar. Reservations are required. The cost is $20 per person and is payable at the door. To make or cancel a reservation, call Carol Jones (A-L) 803-648-1363, Cynthia Sedlacek (M-Z) 561-504-0349 or email newcomers298[email protected]. Reservations or cancellations are due on Thursday.
Nuclear Care Partners will hold a Atomic Heroes Golf Tournament at 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 10, at the Forest Hills Golf Club, 1500 Comfort Road, Augusta, Georgia. The event is free and open to all former Savannah River Site workers. The event will feature lunch, golf, T-shirt and information on community resources. The event is limited to nine groups of four, and each team member must be a former atomic work. For more information or to registers, visit nuclearcarepartners.com. The registration deadline is Monday, May 2.
MAY 11
Yappy Hour will be held from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 11, at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road. The event will feature food, a cash bar, live entertainment, raffle prizes, free dog park and more. For more information, visit letlovelive.org.
SCOFA and the South Carolina High School League are in need of officials. Officials can help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids in the community while staying in shape and making extra money. Without officials, games may have to be canceled. For more information or to register, text REF to 66866 or visit scfoa.net/join.
MAY 12
The Aiken Artist Guild Member Show will be on display May 12 through June 16 at the Aiken Center for the Arts. An opening reception will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at the arts center, 122 Laurens St. N.W. For more information, visit aikencenterforthearts.org.
The Imani Group will host an Environmental Justice Meeting focused on issues at the Savannah River Site and the community at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 12, at Thankful Grove Baptist Church, 1810 Old Barnwell Road. Dinner will be served. To register, visit eventbrite.com. For more information, email [email protected].
MAY 13
Hops & Hogs will be held Friday, May 13, between 4 and 9 p.m. The annual event will be held on Newberry Street where participants can buy tokens to try over 15 craft beers and sample many different versions of Southern barbecue. Visit www.downtownaiken.com.
The 2022 Spring Trojan Classic Golf Tournament will be held at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 28, at Indian Trail Golf Course, 1304 Willis St., Batesburg-Leesville. The cost is $50 per person or $200 per four-man team. Lunch will be provided. For more information, email Brian McCormack at [email protected] or Jeff Clamp at [email protected]. The entry deadline is Friday, May 13. Proceeds will benefit the RSM Golf Team and Marching Band.
The Aiken Homeschool graduation ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, May 13, at River of Life Church, 1411 Columbia Highway N. Dr. Chad Leverette with USC Aiken will be the guest speaker, and the AAA Homeschool Band will perform.
A free community resource fair titled Back to Basics: Time to Reset and Spring Forward into Mental Wellness will be held from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 13, at the Aiken-Barnwell Mental Health Center, 1135 Gregg Highway. The event will offer attendees to learn basic strategies for managing anxiety, depression and stress as well as meet with community partners who provide services, support and resources. For more information, email [email protected].
The Aiken Garden Show will be held Friday, May 13, and Saturday, May 14, at various gardens around Aiken. Gardens will open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A Vendor Market will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, May 13, and 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. S.W. the Aiken County Historical Museum, 433 Newberry St. S.W. Two-day tickets are $25 April 15 through May 12 and $30 on tour days. Tickets can be purchased at the Aiken County Visitors Center, Antiques and Uniques, Cedar Creek Nurseries, Plum Pudding, GrassRoots Yard Supply in Graniteville, Ashely’s on Main in New Ellenton and Nurseries Caroliniana and Parks Pharmacy in North Augusta. For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit aikengardenshow.org.
MAY 14
The Aiken Community Theatre will perform “The Marvelous Wonderettes” at 7:30 p.m. May 14, 19, 20 and 21, and at 2 p.m. May 15 and 21, at the AECOM Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. S.W. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for seniors age 60 and older and military, $15 for students and $10 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aikencommunitytheatre.org.
The Aiken County Democratic Party will hold Aiken’s Blue Bash 2022 from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at New Era Farm, 1720 Wire Road. The event will feature music by Preston and Weston, and attendees will be able to meet candidates for governor and other offices in South Carolina. Ollie Mae’s Soul Food, Ladson Sauce Seafood and Ice Cream Island food trucks will be on-hand. Admission is free. For more information, visit aikencountydemocrats.org.
The Aiken Scholars Academy Student Council will hold a Walk for Ukraine at 9 a.m. Saturday, May 14, at the H. Odell Weeks Activities Center, 1700 Whiskey Road. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. All donations will go to the International Rescue Committee to support humanitarian effors in Ukraine. For more information, email [email protected].
Cats on the Mat will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 14, at the SPCA Albrecht Center for Animal Welfare, 199 Willow Run Road. Sarah Acord with Aiken Yoga will lead the class. The cost is $10 per class or buy a class pass for $50 and includes six classes. Space is limited to 35, and is open to age 12 and older. For more information or to register, visit letlovelive.org.
A COVID-19 Vaccine Education event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Montmorenci Missionary Baptist Church, 173 Old Barnwell Road. Lunch will be served.
The Aiken Symphony Orchestra will close out its 2021-22 season with a concert titled “Bravo Broadway” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at the Etherredge Center on the campus of USC Aiken, 471 University Parkway. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit aikensymphonyorchestra.com.
MAY 15
The Aiken Choral Society will hold its spring concert, titled “Sing Out America,” at 4 p.m. Sunday, May 15, at Aiken’s First Baptist Church, 120 Chesterfield St. N. In celebration of its 50th year, the chorus will “walk through the history of America through songs.” Admission is free but donations will be accepted. For more information, visit aikenchoralsociety.org.
MAY 16
The Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through June. The Savannah River Winds will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, May 16, at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can park at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
The Birdies for Brain Health Charity Golf Tournament will be held at noon Monday, May 16, at the Woodside Country Club, 1000 Woodside Plantation Drive. Registration is $125 per person or $460 per team. For more information or to register, visit birdiesforbrainhealth.com.
Celebrity Waiter Night will be held Monday, May 16. Participating restaurants include Casa Bella, Fuse, Malia’s, Neon Fig, Sno-Cap, Tailgate Tavern, the Village Cafe, Whiskey Alley and The Willcox. For more information, visit childrensplaceinc.org.
MAY 17
The Aiken Singers will perform their spring concert titled “Songs of the Journey,” at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, in the sanctuary of Hillview Baptist Church, 1974 Jefferson Davis Highway. Admission is free, but an offering will be taken to support future concerts. Refreshments will be served after the concert. For more information, visit aikensinger.org.
DayBreak Adult Care Services will hold its Lewy Body Dementia Support Group at 11 a.m. Tuesday,
May 17, at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. XXXXX will be the guest speaker. For more information, visit daybreakaiken.com or cal 803-226-0288.
The Mountain Dulcimers of Aiken will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 17, at Living Hope Fellowship Church, 2550 Old Dominion Road. Players of all levels and anyone interested in learning to play are welcome. All acoustic instruments are welcome. For more information, call Gary Warnock at 803-226-9280 or Tommy Harman at 803-599-8962.
MAY 18
SCOFA and the South Carolina High School League are in need of officials. Officials can help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids in the community while staying in shape and making extra money. Without officials, games may have to be canceled. For more information or to register, text REF to 66866 or visit scfoa.net/join.
A three-night revival will be held at 7 p.m. nightly May 18-20 at New Beginning Baptist Church, 4000 Trolley Line Road. Elder Simmons of Bibleway of Saluda will be the revivalist on Wednesday night. Elder Creech will be the revivalist on Thursday night. Elder Staley of Bibleway of Wagener will be the revivalist on Friday night. For more information, call Ruth Thomas at 803-270-0311.
MAY 20
The City of Aiken Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department will hold an open house from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday, May 20, at the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. Attendees will receive information on classes, events and services available for community vendors. For more information, call 803-643-2181.
The 14th annual Be an ACTS Fan fan drive will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday, May 20, and Saturday, May 21, at Lowe’s, 2470 Whiskey Road. Purchase a fan at Lowe’s for $27 or make a financial donation to ACTS, 340 Park Ave. S.W. For more information, visit actsofaiken.org or call 803-649-3800.
The Aiken Master Gardeners will hold a Lunchbox Lecture at noon Wednesday, May 20, at Millbrook Baptist Church, 223 S. Aiken Blvd. The topic will be Turf Grass Weed Management. The guest speaker will be Jackie Jordan with the Clemson Extension. For more information, visit aikenmastergardeners.org.
MAY 21
Ask a Master Gardener will be at the Aiken Farmers Market, 115 Williamsburg St. S.E., from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 21.
FOTAS will hold its Furry 1-Mile and 5K Run and Walk Saturday, May 21, at Generations Park, 700 Mack Henry Holland Drive. The 1-mile fun run begins at 8 a.m. followed by the 5K at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $15 for the 1-mile race and $25 for the 5K. Registration is open through May 17. All proceeds benefit the homeless animals at the Aiken County Animal Shelter. For more information or to register, visit runsignup.com/Race/SC/Aiken/Furry5K2022.
The Magnolia Ridge Antiques and Art Gathering will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursday, May 21, at the Farm on Mt. Calvary Road. For more information, call 803-617-8751 or 561-262-7475 or email [email protected].
Marti Healy will sign copies of her latest book, “Blinding the Moon,” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 21, at the Aiken County Visitors Center, 133 Laurens St. N.W. For more information, visit discoveraikencounty.com.
A Pass the Salt food bank will be held from 10 a.m. to noon today at Central Baptist Church, 1652 Wire Road. Free food will be available for local families.
MAY 23
The Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through June. Chris Ndeti & Co. will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, May 23, at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can park at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.
MAY 24
A book club will meet from 2:30 to 3:45 p.m. Tuesday, May 24, in-person and online via Zoom. The book selection for May is “The Lost Apothecary” by Sarah Penner. Masks are recommended for the in-person meeting. Sign up is at the information desk on the second floor of the Aiken County Public Library, 314 Chesterfield St. S.W. For more information or to sign-up, visit the library desk on the second floor or call 803-642-2020 ext. 3.
MAY 25
The American Red Cross will hold an Aiken Community Blood Drive from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 25, at the Amentum Center for the Performing Arts, 126 Newberry St. S.W. Donors will receive a goodie bag and a free personal pan pizza from Pizza Hut. For more information or to sign up online, visit redcrossblood.org.
SCOFA and the South Carolina High School League are in need of officials. Officials can help make a difference in the lives of hundreds of kids in the community while staying in shape and making extra money. Without officials, games may have to be canceled. For more information or to register, text REF to 66866 or visit scfoa.net/join.
MAY 28
The Aiken Memorial Day Parade will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, May 28, in downtown Aiken. The parade starts at the Aiken Visitors Center and Train Museum on Park Avenue, turns onto Laurens Street and ends on Edgefield Avenue. All entries, including clubs, organizations, cars, tractors, motorcycles and horses, are welcome. Registration is fee but must be completed in advance. For more information or to register, visit aikenmemorialdayparade.org or email [email protected].
MAY 30
The Hopelands Concert Series will be held Mondays through June. Aiken Civic Ballet will perform at 7 p.m. Monday, May 30, at the Roland H. Windham Performing Arts Stage at Hopelands Gardens, 135 Dupree Place. Lawn chairs and blankets may be brought, as well as picnic dinners and non-alcoholic beverages. Guests can park at the Green Boundary Club, 780 Whiskey Road. Handicap parking is available at the Rye Patch parking lot on Berrie Road and the Hopelands Gardens parking lot. In case of inclement weather, performances will be moved to the Lessie B. Price Aiken Senior and Youth Center, 841 Edgefield Ave. N.W. The rain-out hotline is 803-643-4661. The concerts are free. For more information, call 803-642-7631 or visit cityofaikensc.gov.