Around ChApin & irmo

The restless teens in my house convinced me to go to Crooked Creek Park to walk the trails and exercise my slightly chunky miniature Dachshund. As we walked, my mind slowed down and I enjoyed the sounds of nature.

The Midlands has many walking and biking trails for us to enjoy. The Palmetto trail is the longest pedestrian trail in SC and has 350 miles completed. It is the backcountry rails to trails adventure for those who like to walk and admire the beautiful nature of our woodlands. Harbison State Forest has 18 miles of trails. There is a kayak access point at Harbison State Park for the Peak to Prosperity Passage of the Palmetto Trail. Go and walk with friends, family, and pets and clear your mind of clutter!

It’s a farmer’s market time of year! Fresh vegetables, grass-fed meat, eggs and more are going to be at the local farmer’s markets. Irmo’s starts this week, 5-8 pm, in front of Irmo High School Center for the Arts. If you want to be a vendor, visit www.irmofarmersmarket.com for information.

Chapin’s farmer’s market starts the first Saturday in June. Contact Nicholle Burroughs at communications@chapinsc.com.

Richland County Assessor’s Division is making it more convenient for new homeowners to submit applications to establish their primary residence. A new online portal and kiosks at the Assessor’s Division allow homeowners to apply for the 4% special assessment for legal residences. Assessor’s Division developed this idea to alleviate long lines and make the application process more convenient. To complete an application online, visit www.richlandcountysc.gov/assessor for the link.

You can enjoy the Irmo Symphonic Orchestra’s Beethoven in Blue Jeans performance of Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7 May 10 at 7 pm at the Irmo Center for Arts, 6737 St. Andrews Road, Columbia.  

The Governors Cup Road Race is May 18 starting at 7:30 am. The weekend-long Governor’s Cup event covers some historic areas. For information, visit www.governorscupsc.org .