Sports / Entertainment

Sports / Entertainment

Working for the Weekend: Playland of Aiken

Parents have a love/hate relationship with Indoor Play Places. They are a great place to burn energy no matter the weather outdoors, but can also be an overstimulating germ factory. The Augusta area has had several indoor play zones through the years, and while there are now trampoline parks and such, the only true indoor playground I can think of that remains is Playland of Aiken. My family was introduced to Playland via a birthday party, and my girls have begged to go at least once every month since. While

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B2B Stories

CSRA businesses jump on board for Ironman

In a month that is projected to bring in more than $12 million to the local economy, the 15th Annual Ironman 70.3 on September 29 is one of the biggest events on the list. More than 6,500 visitors are expected to visit and cheer on participants with close to a $6 million estimated economic impact. Athletes will tackle a quick 1.2-mile down-river swim in the Savannah River before biking 56 miles through rural Augusta, and wind up with the flat 13.1-mile spectator-filled run course which will take them along the North Augusta Greeneway

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B2B Stories

More than $12 million expected in River Region coffers this month

A full slate of meetings, sports competitions, and other events are expected to draw more than 114,000 visitors to the CSRA in September, with an estimated economic impact of at least $12,564,076. Both Destination Augusta and the Augusta Sports Council agree that recruiting and hosting these various activities play a critical role in sustaining the nearly 30,000 jobs that are part of the Leisure and Hospitality Industry, the fourth-largest employment sector in the metro area. Total EEI is calculated based on research commissioned by both Explore Georgia and Destinations International

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Consumer Stories

Working for the Weekend: Riverbanks Zoo & Garden

No matter the time of year, one of our favorite day trips is to visit Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia. This zoo is the perfect size for me. It has a ton of animals and exhibits, but it’s not so big as to be overwhelming or so you feel like you can’t see it all in a day. However, when you visit in the summertime, the heat can be overwhelming. That’s why one of our favorite parts of the zoo is the splash zone in the botanical garden section. They also

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Consumer Stories

Working for the Weekend: The Augusta Market

I love a good day trip with the kiddos, but you don’t actually have to leave the city to find a fun outing for the weekend. Just a drive downtown can provide a fun Saturday with the kids, or even the pets. I hit up the Augusta Market with two of our three girls and had a good time just discovering what’s available at the stands near the river. And let me tell you, it’s quite an eclectic offering. I think most people assume it’s a farmer’s market vibe, but

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B2B Stories

Balancing the Short-Term and the Long-Term

At this time last year, I wrote a column that discussed Major League Baseball’s “trade deadline” and how it provides some good lessons that we can apply to business decision-making. In today’s column, I will revisit one of those lessons in more detail than I provided last time.  However, before we delve into that lesson, please allow me to quickly review the trade deadline and its implications. This year’s trade deadline was last Tuesday, July 30, at 6 pm EDT, meaning that teams cannot make trades for players from other

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B2B Stories

Busby’s brings an Olympic buzz to CSRA

A unique video campaign showcasing a company mascot is creating quite a buzz on social media. Busby’s Heating and Air Conditioning has put Buzz front and center at Olympic-style competitions including basketball, pole vaulting, and skateboarding. Of course, Buzz isn’t really in Paris, but the campaign highlights many local venues as a backdrop for his athletic prowess. Some of the highlights from their 10-video campaign include: Swimming: In this video, Buzz visits the Wilson Family Y and takes viewers on a tour of their pool and gives them a glimpse

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B2B Stories

CSRA business owner going for gold in Paris

The eyes of the world are on Paris as athletes from around the globe are competing in the 2024 Olympics. Simone Biles and Katie Ledecky have already won an unprecedented number of gold medals, but an Aikenite will soon be giving her all to represent the CSRA and the USA. When the lights dim on August 11 after the Olympics closing ceremony, the spotlight will turn to the Paralympics which begins August 28 through September 8. That is when you can cheer for Ellen Geddes. She grew up in Aiken’s

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Consumer Stories

Jones Creek Golf Course to Re-Open

Publisher’s Note: ABD received the Thursday morning edition of Jones Creek News and is publishing it in its entirety. It was provided by Tripp Nanney of the Jones Creek HOA. The golf course has been closed since September 2018 due to an unresolved lawsuit against Columbia County, concerning stormwater runoff that flooded parts of the course. Bond Global of Aiken developed a relationship with Jones Creek and opened a driving range in April 2023. This relationship is continuing in a big way. Tripp’s Tidbits – Jones Creek Golf Course Update

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Sports / Entertainment

Working for the Weekend: Carowinds

I grew up in the middle of America, so instead of Disney and beaches, my family would trek to regional amusement parks and my dad and I would ride roller coasters. I’ve waited years to do the same with my girls, and we found a perfect spot just a couple of hours from home. I think most people think of Six Flags when they think of a nearby amusement park, but the real gem of our area is Carowinds, just this side of Charlotte. It quite literally sits on the

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