LEXINGTON HAPPENINGS: ‘Week of Restaurants’ and a fond farewell to Dolly Parton

Heat and football dominated the news last week.

Above-normal temperatures, including humidity, were an everyday occurrence. We were most thankful for a shower or two.

Even breaking records last Saturday, it was the hottest day ever for a game to be played at Williams-Brice Stadium. Wiping brows was the norm, and any cool spot or beverage was a luxury. Football is considered a fall sport, but the season seems to be delayed this year!

Tired of cooking? Now’s your chance to get out of the kitchen!

Angelle LaBorde, president/CEO of our Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center, reports:

“Get ready to eat local: Lexington’s Week of Restaurants is back! Get your tastebuds ready! Lexington’s Week of Restaurants kicks off this Thursday! From Sept. 10-20, Lexington’s participating local eateries are ready to welcome you. Treat your spouse to a special night out, plan a family dinner or catch up with friends while supporting the amazing restaurants that make the town of Lexington thrive.”

READ MORE on Lexington's Week of Restaurants here

According to chamber and town officials, this is the perfect time to show some extra love to our local dining spots. You can enter for a chance to win a $250 gift card with the initiative’s new virtual punch card!

Find the code: Look for the unique QR code at the register of participating restaurants.

Scan and check in: Use your smartphone to register your visit in seconds.

Dine and win: Visit five restaurants during the 10-day event to automatically be entered to win a $250 gift card!

Visit lexscweekofrestaurants.com to check out participating restaurants and specials and start planning your delicious 10-day culinary tour!

The Lexington Chamber & Visitors Center will host a Business Blend seminar on Wednesday, Sept. 23 at the Old Mill Brew Pub. Robyn Crisp Marren, MA, MBA, a small business development consultant with the University of South Carolina, will discuss “5 High-Impact Digital Strategies for Local Business.” The seminar is from 3:30-4:45 p.m., followed by a social hour. For ticket information, visit lexingtonsc.org/chamber-events.

The following week, “The 2026 Market Economic Outlook: Resilience or Recession?” will be the topic of a Business Over Lunch program presented by Dominion Energy and set for Wednesday, Sept. 30 at Stone River. The presenter is Joseph Von Nessen, a research economist with the University of South Carolina. Seating is limited. For details and ticket information, visit lexingtonsc.org/chamber-events.

Those receiving awards at their annual luncheon and meeting at the DoubleTree on Aug. 26 were:

Large Business of the Year: Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union

Small Business of the Year: Elite Lawn and Landscape

Young Female Professional of the Year: Ikeiya Blakely of Busy Bees Playhouse

Young Male Professional of the Year: J.R. Fennell, director of Lexington County Museum

Ambassador of the Year: Daphne Freeman of Jan-Pro of Columbia

Mike Till Impact Award: Bill and Vicki Shanahan of Lexington County Blowfish

Congratulations to all the well-deserving winners!

Our most historic groundbreaking for the new Mission Lexington building at 1430 N. Lake Drive was held Aug. 28 with a large assemblage of supporters. Those on the program included the Rev. Jason Antley, the Rev. Ralph Hill, Coley Campbell, Todd Sease, Anne Bell, Councilman Todd Cockrell and Amy Reeves, CEO of Mission Lexington.

The turning of the soil marked a milestone made possible by faith, generosity and community.

Shiloh United Methodist Church – Gilbert resumed “Lunch & Learn” on the first Thursday of each month beginning Sept. 3. Each month’s Lunch & Learn features a speaker and a catered lunch for $15 per person. September’s speaker was Jessica Brodie, editor of the United Methodist Advocate, novelist, journalist and coach. Jessica spoke on “Called to the Page: A Christian Journalist’s Journey into Fiction and Other Faith Writing.” She also had books for sale and signed autographs. Everyone is welcome. To reserve your seat and lunch, contact Donna at 803-206-3400.

We are all aware that Sept. 11 falls on Friday of this week. Pause, reflect and say a prayer for all those affected by this most tragic day.

Village Square Theater is offering a film somewhat related: “Come From Away,” Sept. 11-27:

“We are looking forward to sharing the story of 38 planes carrying thousands of passengers who unexpectedly have to ground in the small town of Gander, Newfoundland as a result of the events of Sept. 11. A true story of kindness and humanity as the residents open their homes and hearts to strangers from around the world. Performances run Sept. 11-27 on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Tickets are $23 for adults, $20 for seniors (65+)/ active military/students and $18 for youth (17 and under). Rated PG-13 for language.” To purchase tickets, call 803-359-1436 or visit www.villagesquaretheatre.com/tickets/.

Reminder: Our Shepherd’s Center of Lexington begins its Fall Adventures in Learning from Sept. 24 to Oct. 29. For more information, call 803-756-4207 or visit www.sclex.org.

Our Icehouse Live Concert this week, Thursday, Sept. 10, is Finesse at 6:30 p.m.

Speaking of music, our entire country was shocked and saddened over the recent passing of Dolly Parton. Some years ago, she left her very humble home in the Tennessee Smoky Mountains with just a beautiful God-given voice and her guitar.

With ups and downs, she became a country music voice and star recognizable internationally. Beyond the glamor and flamboyant hair styles, she was a philanthropist and especially supported education for young people.

Her voice will live on, and her iconic “I Will Always Love You” will be hummed for generations to come.