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Hi Sumter, we made it to Thursday! 

In today’s fun-for-grown-ups edition: 63rd annual Pancake Day, a chili cook-off, and gold and silver surge + plenty of reasons to put on real pants this week.

Today’s sponsor, Spot Pet Insurance, is something I wish I had before a late-night emergency vet visit left me with a $10,000 credit card bill. It’s cheaper than Netflix… and means you never have to choose between your pet and your savings. It takes less than 5 minutes to sign up – get started here.

📰 In the news

Regional response to aging boom: South Carolina’s older adult population is projected to double by 2030, and Santee-Lynches’ executive director discusses funding to support services in Sumter, Clarendon, Kershaw and Lee as demand grows — get all the details.

Longstanding manufacturer expands footprint: George Utz Inc., a plastic container maker, will open its first South Carolina operation, investing about $40 million and creating 50 jobs for returnable packaging production — read the full story.

Residents’ concerns shape decision: After weeks of debate, Sumter’s zoning board approved an automotive salvage yard on South Lafayette Drive, requiring fencing, wooded buffers, site plan approval, and limiting crushing and shredding to weekdays — see what conditions were set.

Gold & silver are hot: Coming off gold’s best year since 1979, the momentum is carrying well into 2026 with silver remaining one of the most talked-about assets. Curious why they’re back in focus? American Hartford Gold has a free guide that explains what’s happening and how people are approaching it today. It’s free – and definitely worth a read.

Compare rates for free: The national average for car insurance is around $175/month. Paying more than that? Same, so I did some shopping around and ended up cutting my premium in half. If you haven’t checked in a while, you’re probably overpaying too — here’s the comparison tool I used.

Highlights this week:

• Sample Sumter’s best bites and beats
• Paint a Parisian spring masterpiece
• Bring youth to community garden kickoff
• This top-tier home warranty is 50% off right now
• Save on self-care during the CVS Epic Beauty Sale

🐾 One pet emergency can cost $10,000+

Together with our sponsor Spot Pet Insurance

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 Spot.

It’s super affordable and reimburses up to 90% on qualified vet bills. It was too late for me, but it’s not too late for you. Sign up today.

🫶 We got your back

Burger night upgrade: When the midweek craving hits, Simply Southern Bistro serves juicy, cooked-to-order burgers that could spark a second round, with melty cheese, crispy bacon, and a touch of Southern flair. If your crew can’t agree, there are plenty of other comforting favorites to choose from.

Lace up in Sumter: Skate Station of Sumter keeps wheels spinning with fresh rental skates, a lively prize-packed game room, and an on-site pro shop for your own setup. It’s an easy way to shake off the week, move a little, and feel like a kid again.

Local history field trip: Sumter Museum makes Sumter’s past an easy weekend wander. Peek into the restored Williams-Brice House, step through the Carolina Backcountry Homestead, and explore the Temple Sinai Jewish History Center, each quietly fascinating and ideal for ending Sunday a touch smarter.

Access cash without selling your home: A reverse mortgage can help anyone over 62 cover everyday expenses, support healthcare needs, fund home improvements, or even reduce pressure on 401(k) withdrawals – all while staying in your home. Longbridge offers a free calculator to estimate how much flexibility your home could provide, with no commitment required.

📆 Sumter for grown ups

Have an event to share? BaseLocal Verified Businesses can submit them for free! Learn more about how to submit an event here →

All events are subject to change without notice. Always check official event pages for the most up to date information.

🥞 63rd Annual Pancake Day @ Alice Drive Middle School | Saturday (3/7) at 7:00 AM – Clear your calendar for a Sumter classic: the 63rd Annual Pancake Day, with all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage, and zero judgment on seconds. Eat well, do good, and help the Kiwanis fuel local programs like scholarships, Reading Buddies, and Camp MacBoykin.

🌸 Whispers of Spring @ Sip&Gogh | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Ready to paint the first gossip of the season, that Japanese magnolia that pops before the pollen coats your car? Relaxed class, kid friendly for ages 8 and up with an adult, beginner friendly. Reserve your easel early, sip, and let spring bloom on canvas.

📚 Spring Book Swap @ Westminster Presbyterian Church | Saturday (3/7) at 10:00 AM – Whether your shelves need thinning or your to-be-read pile needs friends, come sell, buy, or trade everything from homeschool curriculum to dog-eared mysteries, kids’ picks, and oddball treasures. Out in the lot unless it rains, then we’re inside, and it’s BYO table, cloth, and chair.

🧪 Wonders of Science @ COOL HANDS | Saturday (3/7) at 11:00 AM – Kid energy hitting critical mass? Point your mini Einsteins to a hands-on science session for ages 5-14, with safe, age-appropriate experiments, real learning, and plenty of wow, no baking-soda volcano cleanup at home. Save your countertops, register at https://our-mela-nation.square.site/.

🌼 Boots & Daisies @ Sip&Gogh | Saturday (3/7) at 3:00 PM – Saturday at Sip & Gogh means boots, daisies, and paint on your sleeves. Ease into spring with a hangable canvas, a glass in hand, and fewer bridal group texts. Bring the bride, the teens, or your inner eight-year-old, and reserve an easel.

🌶 Chili Cook-off @ VFW Post 3034 | Saturday (3/7) at 4:00 PM – Bring your secret recipe and a sturdy spoon for a good old-fashioned Chili Cook-off. It’s $10 to enter, winner pockets half the cash, and $5 gets you a sampling tour. Expect bragging rights, mild to reckless heat, and plenty of neighborly trash talk.

🎵 Shir Ami @ Temple Sinai Jewish History Center | Sunday (3/8) at 4:00 PM – Head to Temple Sinai for a free Sumter Inspire Festival concert. Shir Ami’s mezzo, violin, and piano trace Jewish art music from Bloch to today, with a brief Daniel Asia talk, light refreshments, and just enough culture to justify dessert.

Live music & entertainment:

• 3/6 Jimmy’s Sumter @ Jimmy’s Sumter – 8:00 PM
• 3/8 Shir Ami @ Temple Sinai Jewish History Center – 4:00 PM
• 3/9 Blues & Brews Open Mic @ Sambino’s European Bistro – 6:00 PM
• 3/12 Farm to Table 2026 @ Sumter County Civic Center – 6:00 PM
• 3/14 No Fun Allowed @ Celebrations Of Sumter – 9:30 PM
• 3/19 Jazz Night @ Rafters – 6:00 PM
• 3/21 Sumter Springfest 2026 @ Hamptons – 11:00 AM

Wanna see more? Browse our full events calendar →

🔥 Worth a peek

We’re always on the hunt for useful resources, deals, services, and products we think you’ll love. Here’s what caught our eye this week.

• Thinning hair? Don’t wait – here are 3 treatments that work
• This free tool helps connect you with the right financial advisor
• Got debt? You may be able to pay less than you owe
• Protect your pet from disaster with this pet insurance plan
• You can own physical gold and silver in your retirement account

📻 Sumter report

Weather forecast

Today – High: 79°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 1%

Areas of fog before 9am. Partly sunny, with a high near 79. Southwest wind 1 to 6 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. South wind around 3 mph.

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Tomorrow – High: 82°F – Low: 60°F – Precip: 11%

Partly sunny, with a high near 82. South wind around 5 mph. Later: Partly cloudy, with a low around 60.

Someone Googled you this week 👀

It may feel like an invasion of privacy, but unfortunately It’s the new normal. Whether you’re joining a committee, selling something locally, dating again, or just meeting new neighbors… people are going to look you up online.

Like it or not, the internet has a way of surfacing past mistakes and outdated information that no longer reflects who you are.

Thankfully, there’s a really easy way for you – or someone you care about – to clean up outdated results that no longer tell the real story. Learn more here.

This house is wild

This two story Sonoma II offers 3,133 square feet with an open main level for entertaining. Five bedrooms and three and a half baths include a ground floor owner’s suite with walk in closet and spa like en suite. The kitchen features an optional raised bar. Upstairs brings four bedrooms and a bonus room, plus a two car garage.

Take a peek inside →