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Question: What’s the story behind the rocket at the state fairgrounds?

The South Carolina State Fairgrounds is a wide swath of blacktop and cavernous buildings next to Williams-Brice Stadium. Thousands of families visit the state's largest fair each year, and many come with generational traditions and memories linked to the fry grease- and neon light-fueled nostalgia of the autumnal fair.

The rocket is one of those traditions. And the story behind how it got there, towering for decades over the fair's north-end entrance, is fascinating.

The rocket came to Columbia in the 1960s, according to Nancy Smith, the fair's general manager. Named "Columbia," the intermediate-range ballistic missile was decommissioned and donated to the city by the U.S. Air Force.

The missile was designed by a Nazi-turned-American, Werner von Braun, the same man who designed the rockets that sent man to the moon. "Columbia" was a Jupiter missile that was assembled by Chrysler for the U.S. military. Missiles like these were designed to carry both nuclear and conventional warheads, with "Columbia" slated for use in nuclear warfare, according to SCETV.

After its discharge from the Air Force, "Columbia" sat unused on some land until 1969, when someone "rather hastily" decided it should go up on the fairgrounds ahead of opening day, Smith said.

So, in a mad dash to the fair's opening, the rocket was erected. It cost $10,000, Smith said. That equates to more than $85,000 today, according to the American Institute for Economic Research's inflation calculator.

For the past 56 years, the rocket has weather hurricanes and abysmal Gamecock football seasons, never once succumbing to damage or instability, Smith said.

It's a beacon for fairgoers, too.

"It really is an icon at the fairgrounds," Smith said, "and it's also known as a great meeting place at the fairgrounds."

Because it towers above the short gates and exhibition halls, the rocket became an easy spot for families to meet up, or parents to wait for kids who might be lingering a bit too long in the funnel cake line.

It was only a few years after the rocket was erected that fairgoers could pay 50 cents or so to have "The Voice of the Rocket" call out for the rest of a party to meet the payer at the rocket.

Smith called the woman "Miss Higginbotham," and said it became tradition for folks to pay the small fee to have their child's or friend's name called over the fairground's intercom system.

"So that's how that phrase came into being, 'meet me at the rocket,'" Smith explained.

While cellphones make it far easier to place missing friends or children or parents, fairgoers can still have their party called out over the PA system during the fair.

Changes over the years

While the rocket hasn't withstood much damage, it's gotten a facelift or two over the years.

About a decade ago, the rocket was raised about 15 feet with a new platform, which was designed with help from engineers at the University of South Carolina.

In 2014, the rocket turned pink for the fair's breast cancer awareness theme. It's currently the "Be Well Rocket," since Lexington Medical is one of the fair's major partners.

It's been the Time Warner Cable rocket, and during the fair's 150th anniversary, the rocket was painted to commemorate the occasion.

"Everybody thought it was a crayon," Smith said, "but it was really a birthday candle."

Smith she has heard grumblings of, "let the rocket be the rocket again."

"That will happen," she said, but nothing is in the works.

So there's the story of the missile jutting proudly up from the fairgrounds in Columbia. What else do you want to know about life and lore in Columbia? Email me at [email protected]

What’s better than a day in Columbia? Free activities in Columbia. If you’re looking for something to do in the Soda City — but don’t want to open your wallet — we’ve got fun things to do that will suit every interest.

Anne Frank Center | The Anne Frank Center at USC also offers free tours. Explore the life and legacy of Anne Frank through photos and original artifacts.

Historic Columbia | Residents of Richland and Lexington County can tour a house museum for free every third Sunday of the month. Can’t make it? Try a self-guided tour instead.

Sally Salamander Walking TourEmbark on a self-guided adventure through downtown Columbia with the Sally Salamander Walking Tour. Follow bronze statues of South Carolina’s state amphibian, the spotted salamander, to discover 20 notable landmarks and historic sites.

The State House | Take a free guided tour from Monday through Friday. Walk the 100-year-old floors and witness history in the making.

Richland Library | First stop? Check out the events page for storytimes, craft hours, and classes. There’s something for all ages.

Columbia Fire Museum, 1800 Laurel St. | Take your aspiring firefighter to this one-room exhibit with displays and antiques commemorating the history of Cola’s fire department.

Lexington County Public LibraryExplore free programs for all ages, from Preschool Explorers and Afternoon Art to LEGO Club and monthly Historically Speaking history talks.

McKissick Museum | Located on the historic Horseshoe at USC, this free museum explores Southern culture and natural history through rotating exhibitions and permanent collections.

Soda City Market | This Main Street market happens every Saturday morning and was recently nominated as one of USA Today’s 10 Best Farmers Markets. Browse local produce, handmade goods, and street performances, no purchase is necessary to enjoy the festive atmosphere.

Congaree National Park | With its free entry, Congaree National Park is the obvious choice. Check out our guide to the park for everything from getting there to where to fish.

Midland’s public parks | With over 60 parks and green spaces across the city, Columbia offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors for free. Stroll riverfront trails, let the kids loose on playgrounds and splash pads, or enjoy a picnic in the shade.

Self-Guided Public Art Tour | Columbia is full of murals, sculptures, and installations. Download a public art map from One Columbia and explore creative works scattered across downtown and surrounding neighborhoods.

Three Rivers Greenway | Explore miles of paved trails along the Broad, Saluda, and Congaree Rivers. Walk, run, or bike through Columbia Canal and Riverfront Park, Cayce Riverwalk, and West Columbia’s Riverwalk — each offering scenic views and access points to nature.

Or maybe you’re beach-bound. In that case, take a day-cation to any one of these five beaches within driving distance.

The whole journey has led to this.

The University of South Carolina women’s basketball team, which has spent the entire 2024-25 season at or near the top the rankings and has clawed its way through the opening rounds of the NCAA Tournament, is now set for this weekend’s Final Four in Tampa, Florida.

The Gamecocks, who are the defending national champions and are looking for their fourth national title overall, are set to meet Texas at 7 p.m. Friday. If they can win that game — they are a 4.5-point favorite per Draft King’s sportsbook — Coach Dawn Staley’s Gamecocks would meet the winner of Friday’s UConn-UCLA game for the national championship at 3 p.m. Sunday.

While there are many headed to Tampa to see the Final Four in person, there will be many more watching the game on TV, with Friday’s games being broadcast on ESPN and Sunday’s national title game being shown on ABC.

Bars and restaurants across Columbia and the Midlands will undoubtedly be showing Friday night’s USC-Texas game. If you have a favorite watering hole that usually shows the games, it’s a pretty good bet they’ll have the Final Four on, as well.

While certainly not a comprehensive list, here’s a look at just a few places that are usually reliably good spots to grab a bite and watch the Gamecocks in action.

Market on Main, located at 1320 Main St. in the heart of downtown Columbia, is the place to be if you want to go big. As in, the big screen. The multi-faceted restaurant and bar has a 23-foot jumbo outdoor screen where it will be showing Friday’s USC-Texas matchup. The watch party also will include, according to an Instagram post from Market on Main, a tap takeover by Columbia Craft, with that local brewery’s offerings highlighted throughout the evening in cans, buckets and on draft. For more on Market and Main and it’s menu, click here.

Since debuting in Cayce in 2018, Steel Hands has become a well-known name on the brewery scene, a reputation that was bolstered in 2024 when the company opened a second Midlands location, Steel Hands Distilling and Brewing in the Vista. The Vista location, which is at 705-A Gervais St., is partnering with website Gamecock Central to host a watch party for Friday’s game, according to an Instagram post from the restaurant. That will include a number of “garnet-themed cocktail specials,” such as the Golden Swish, which includes Steelquila (Steel Hands’ handcrafted tequila), orange liqueur, raspberry puree, simple syrup, and lime juice. For menus and more about Steel Hands Vista, click here. Meanwhile, the OG Cayce Steel Hands also has a host of TVs and often has been a hub for catching USC games. (They even have a Sand Storm Gameday Lager.) For more about the Cayce location, click here.

Sometimes Five Points is the move, especially if you can throw in some barbecue. A number of bars in the long-running neighborhood just east of USC will undoubtedly be showing the Final Four games, and Home Team is among the spots that has been a reliable go-to throughout the NCAA Tournament. Located at 700 Harden St., Home Team has an open floor plan and there are literally TVs everywhere you look. Plus, there’s the barbecue. And the mac-and-cheese. And those ribs. And, frankly, maybe one of the most underrated burgers in Columbia, the Fiery Ron’s. For menus and more on Home Team BBQ, click here.

For many of the most die-hard Gamecock basketball fans, Thirsty Fellow at 621 Gadsden St. has become a homebase through the years. That’s in large part because the pub is literally in the shadow of USC’s Colonial Life Arena, making it a traditional pregame and postgame hangout for those who attend home matchups. But it’s also a reliable spot to watch the team on TV while also grabbing a bite. And those bites at Thirsty Fellow are particularly tasty. It serves delicious stone-fired pizzas, which it is perhaps best known for, but don’t sleep on the Philly cheesesteak sandwich with a side of sweet potato fries. For menus and more from Thirsty Fellow, click here.

For those in northeast Columbia, the Top Dawg Tavern in the Village at Sandhill off of Clemson Road is a solid option for brews, food and the Final Four games. It’s got an expansive dining room with TVs visible from every location, plus a patio for outdoor dining. The menu at Top Dawg features burgers, wings, nachos, salads, desserts and much more. They also have a full bar with cocktails, wine and a wide selection of beer. For more on Top Dawg Tavern’s northeast Columbia location at 498 Town Center Place in the Village at Sandhill, click here.

Chris Trainor is a retail reporter for The State and has been working for newspapers in South Carolina for more than 20 years, including previous stops at the (Greenwood) Index-Journal and the (Columbia) Free Times. He is the winner of a host of South Carolina Press Association awards, including honors in column writing, government beat reporting, profile writing, food writing, business beat reporting, election coverage, social media and more.

Columbia, SC, April 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Odosek Lab Solutions announced today the expansion of its mobile DNA and drug testing services throughout Columbia, South Carolina and surrounding areas. The company's enhanced service footprint will provide residents with greater access to convenient, on-site testing options.

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The expanded services include DNA paternity test, drug screening, and other specialized laboratory testing, all delivered directly to clients' preferred locations. This expansion comes in response to increasing demand for accessible testing solutions that minimize travel and wait times while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy.

"Our mission has always been to make critical testing services more accessible to the communities we serve," said Eugene Williams, spokesperson for Odosek Lab Solutions. "This expansion allows us to reach more residents in Columbia and nearby areas with our professional, confidential testing services that empower individuals to make well-informed decisions about their health and personal circumstances."

Odosek Lab Solutions is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by certified technicians who follow strict chain-of-custody protocols.. The company's commitment to innovation ensures clients receive the most accurate, reliable testing results with maximum convenience. The company offers both scheduled appointments and same-day service options for urgent testing needs.

Columbia, South Carolina was strategically selected for this service expansion due to the region's growing population and the increasing need for trusted, accessible DNA and drug testing services. The mobile testing model particularly benefits residents in rural areas surrounding Columbia who previously faced long travel times to access quality testing facilities.

Services offered include:

For more information about Odosek Lab Solutions' expanded services or to schedule a mobile testing appointment, please visit their website or contact their office directly. Residents throughout Columbia and surrounding areas are encouraged to take advantage of these convenient, confidential testing services to support their health, legal, and employment needs.

About Odosek Lab Solutions:

Odosek Lab Solutions is a leading provider of mobile DNA and drug testing services in South Carolina. The company specializes in delivering convenient, confidential, and accurate testing services directly to clients' locations, including offices, and legal facilities.

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Press inquiries

Odosek Lab Solutions

https://odoseklabsolutions.com

Eugene Williams

[email protected]

Columbia, SC 29223

Gray-haired professionals in work coats and button-downs filter into some of Columbia’s most reliable watering holes before it’s even 5 p.m.

Many of Columbia’s most popular bars are surrounded by heavy foot traffic areas that flood with one of the city’s defining populations: college students.

But locals’ stomping grounds distinguish themselves from the noise and sticky floors college students often frequent. Why? To some bartenders and owners, the regulars make all the difference.

“We’re open to college students, but we definitely tend to be more of a professionals-oriented bar,” Goat’s bartender Lexi Nowicki said. “But I think the magic is in the people that have been coming here for years and continue to do so, and the rapport that we build now.”

Goat’s isn’t your typical bar, at least compared to some of its neighbors around Five Points, owner Orlando "Opie" Patterson said.

Many of its regulars or newcomers are looking for something new, and that’s reflected in everything from its drinks and food menu to its music and decor, but it gives some nods to its regulars.

Patterson favors “moodier” pieces of furniture and decor. The bar has a dark-paneled ceiling, an exposed brick wall lined with monochromatic paintings and an unofficial mascot: a portrait of a mustachioed man striking a triumphant pose in a bowtie — and nothing else from the torso-up.

Goat’s also seeks to cater to its patrons’ tastes.

Patterson talks with customers about what they typically drink and what they look for in a bar. He likes to push for something you might not expect at a dimly lit bar, whether it’s an imported wine or a duck dish, Patterson said.

“It's your job to educate people or give them the opportunity to try more stuff than just what they're used to seeing all the time,” Patterson said. “That's how we treat all our customers here. Instead of asking what they want or recognize, we’ll ask them what they like and we can branch out a little bit outside the comfort zone to try something new.”

Patterson is known for going around the bar giving samples of wines or shots for his customers, much different than the typical transaction for a rum and coke or tequila-soda, Nowikci said.

For Bar None owner, Marty Dreesen, it all starts with music and prices — and clean bathrooms.

Dreesen opened Bar None with the idea of having a regular-oriented bar that had clean bathrooms, good tippers and late hours. The property on Harden Street originally started as Poor Richards and sold 97-cent Rolling Rock.

Year after year, prices increased as Dreesen and his business partner grew their base of regulars. Thirty years in, Bar None is a Columbia staple.

Building the legacy as a late-night institution for folks working the night shift started with the music, Dreesen said.

“We play music from one end of the spectrum to the other,” Dreesen said. “We don't play a lot of hip hop, we don’t play — I don’t even know how to say it —electronic, whatever you want to call that. We cater more to classic country, classic rock, classic.”

Dreesen comes from a family that ran their own bar.

He grew up understanding service workers live off their tips. And he wanted Bar None to be a place where patrons respect the folks slinging drinks behind the bar.

Often, bartenders said younger patrons aren't as easy to serve.

“In the service industry, Friday night —when all the kids come out — has always been an amateur night,” Dreesen said. “I asked a couple girls about running tabs the other day and they said, ‘when you're busy, it's hard to get the bartender's attention to close your tab out.’ That was her excuse, but it's just the nature of the beast. Things have changed.”

Staff said they welcome anyone 21 or older to their bar, but it’s the regulars that have the staff coming back.

“I had to move away for about six months, but I came back ...” Goat's bartender Nowicki said. “But I kind of found this place where there was a lot of uncertainty in my life and even though I feel like my plan wasn't to bartend full time, I'm not mad at it because I have the community here.”