Hello Sumter! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Free outdoor fitness court, SC250 Revolutionary War history day, and Cody Webb live + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Downtown infrastructure upgrades underway: Downtown sewer rehab continues through August 1, 2026, with crews working 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Church, West Hampton, and North Salem. Expect lane shifts and occasional night work -- see what to expect.
Community wellness boost: Sumter’s new outdoor Fitness Court opened June 9, offering free workouts on seven stations for ages 14+, through a partnership between the City, USC Sumter and National Fitness Campaign -- check out the Fitness Court.
A closer look at the revolution: On July 18, historian Dr. Fritz Hamer will explore South Carolina’s road to revolution at the library, from patriots and loyalists to the fall of Charleston in 1780 -- learn more about the talk.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
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03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Tiny human energy outlet: If your littles are bouncing off the walls, Giggles on the Go is Sumter’s indoor playground built just for ages 6 months to 6 years, with soft play, imaginative zones, and activity tables that keep tiny hands busy. Safe, clean, and totally socks-only... consider this your midweek sanity reset.
Puzzle night upgrade: Round up your favorite chaos crew and let Lock, Clock, and Peril Escape Rooms put your group chat to the test with clue-chasing, code-cracking fun that actually gets everyone off the couch. Perfect for a midweek reset or a weekend brag, no special gear required.
Sumter’s fresh flower fix: Forgot a birthday, or just feel like being extra nice? Newton's Greenhouse and Florist can pull off same-day delivery, with custom arrangements, tropical plants grown in their own greenhouse, and even a quirky antique department for add-on gifts that feel intentional instead of last minute.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎨 Experiment 626 @ Sip&Gogh | Friday (6/26) at 10:00 AM – Paint-and-sip night is letting us channel our inner artist with the town’s favorite blue troublemaker, Experiment 626. Expect guided strokes, a generous pour, and laughter that smudges a little paint. Low stakes, good company, and you leave with wall-worthy mischief.
🍿 Summer Movies @ Sumter County Library - Wesmark | Friday (6/26) at 3:30 PM – If your crew needs an air-conditioned truce, the Wesmark Library is spinning The Bad Guys 2 for a family matinee. Low stakes, high giggles, and zero sticky floors, just comfy chairs, cartoon capers, and a blissful break from negotiating screen time.
🎸 Cody Webb @ Sumter County Courthouse | Friday (6/26) at 6:30 PM – Nothing beats free live country at the Fourth Friday concert, especially when Cody Webb rolls into Sumter. Expect sing-alongs, lawn-chair diplomacy, and neighbors you haven’t seen since the Iris Festival. Bring a friend, your easygoing mood, and maybe a little two-step.
🎉 America 250 Celebration @ Eastside Baptist Church | Friday (6/26) at 6:30 PM – This hometown birthday party for America turns 250 with reverent vibes, good music, and zero inflatable eagles. Expect gospel harmonies from The Browders, bold brass from the Sumter Brass Quintet, and the Lemira School Choir and Band. Tickets are a patriotic ten bucks.
🎶 So Cool @ Sumter County Courthouse Lawn | Friday (6/26) at 6:30 PM – Whether you're after live tunes, a shady courthouse lawn, or letting the kids run laps while you catch up, 4th Friday delivers. Music, food, and family fun, plus cool-off help from the City of Sumter and Yannis, so no one melts this time.
🚗 Show Your Wheels Car Show @ J.C. Britton Park (Manning) | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Engines are purring at Show Your Wheels, where chrome, nostalgia, and small-block rumble take center stage. Expect polished classics, sleeper gems, and three "I had one in '79" stories. Awards are on the line, but the win is swapping tales from a lawn chair.
🎨 Crafting Keepsakes with Kelly-Kids Day 2 @ Sip & Gogh Studio | Tuesday (6/30) at 2:00 PM – Day 2 with Ms. Kelly is the satisfying part, painting and glossing those pint-sized masterpieces while you supervise, snack, and pretend not to hover. For the record, kids 6 and up are set, older ones can hop into Saturday or evening sessions with you.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Sumter report Weather forecastToday — High: 89°F — Low: 69°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 89. Northeast wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 69. Northeast wind around 1 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 93°F — Low: 73°F — Precip: 0%
Sunny, with a high near 93. Southeast wind 0 to 3 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 73. This house is wildThis JMJ Craftsmen-style 5-bedroom home pairs classic character with a smart split floor plan and a vaulted ceiling that gives the main living space extra drama. A formal dining room, family room, breakfast bar, and eat-in kitchen keep things flowing, while the screen porch, gazebo, and fire pit make outdoor time easy. The corner lot, big backyard, walk-out attic storage, and side-entry garage add even more appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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