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The Love Local Issue F E B R UA RY 2 02 4

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

I Love Aiken! February is the season of love and the theme for this issue is Love Local. Since loving local is the heart of what we do at Aiken City Lifestyle every month, it is business as usual around here. If you’ve been around Aiken long, you know that it is pretty lovable. Part of Aiken's lovability lies in its commitment to the arts and culture. Aiken plays host to a variety of events, from lively festivals to art exhibitions, showcasing a vibrant, creative spirit. Inside, we explore behind the scenes at one iconic Aiken event, the Aiken Antique Show. Renowned dealers from across the Southeast will showcase a diverse array of antiques, ranging from exquisite furniture and fine art to vintage jewelry and rare collectibles at this year’s event where proceeds benefit one of Aiken’s crown jewels, The Aiken Center for the Arts. Speaking of crown jewels, the presence of the Aiken Symphony in our community is part of what elevates Aiken from any other Southern town of its size. We caught up with Scott Weiss, Music Director and Conductor for the Aiken Symphony, to get the inside scoop on what goes into crafting a symphony performance. February brings Valentine’s Day, and Valentine’s Day means chocolate. Belgium is the chocolate capital of the world, and fortunately for us, Bebette Smith has brought the craft of Belgian chocolate-making here to Aiken at her shop La Bonbonniere. Learn about her journey from military wife to chocolatier. From our charming downtown, unique boutiques and original dining experiences to our rich equestrian history and scenic landscapes, there is a lot to love about Aiken. I hope you will take some time to explore it in this season of love. See you next month!

February 2024 PUBLISHER

Gayle Bryan | gayle.bryan@citylifestyle.com P U B L I S H E R AS S I STAN T

Carolyn McAvoy | carolyn.mcavoy@citylifestyle.com C O PY E D I TO R

Ashley Elvis CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nikita Hanif, Ashley Elvis, Shelby Mayer C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R S

Scott Webster, Meghann Padgett, Gayle Bryan, Aiken Heart Show, Gordon Humphries, Dennis Bickers, Jennifer Parrott

Corporate Team CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

G AY L E B R YA N , P U B L I S H E R @AIKENCITYLIFESTYLE Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 Aiken City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Aiken area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/AIKEN

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No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Aiken City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue FE B RUA RY 2 0 2 4 | LOV E LO CA L

24 36

18 Featured

18 24 30 36 8

Oaks at Aiken

Take a Peek Inside Aiken’s Newest Senior Living Facility

The Art of Orchestration

A Maestro’s Perspective on Creating a Symphony

30 On the Cover

Departments

Executive Director, Bryan Rushton and Community Relations Director, Sarah Denero are ready to welcome residents to Oaks at Aiken.

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Family Care HEALTH + WELLNESS

Must See ARTS + CULTURE

How To FOOD + BEVERAGE

Back Stage HOME + DESIGN

For the Love of Chocolate

Bebbette Smith Brings Authentic Belgian Chocolate to Aiken

Behind the Scenes of the Aiken Antique Show

A Fundraiser to Support the Aiken Center for the Arts

Photography: Meghann Padgett

Local Limelight ARTS + CULTURE

Events

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Professional Licensing Representation

Personal Injury

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FEBRUARY 2024

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

7 5

1: Kerry Rains and Monday at Great Oak’s Winter Holiday Horse Show. 2: Enjoying Great Oak’s Winter Holiday Horse Show. 3: Colby giving a word to the audience at the Great Oak Winter Holiday Horse Show. 4: Volunteers are the heart and soul of Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs. 5: Showing off riding skills at the Great Oak Winter Holiday Horse Show. 6: The kids and volunteers do amazing work at Great Oak Equine Assisted Programs. 7: Having James on hand with Nothing Bundt Cakes makes any event better! Photography by Gayle Bryan

C I T Y SC E N E

14 12

8: Stylish as ever, Gary Finnan on the mic at Great Oak’s Winter Holiday Horse Show. 9: Eva Finnan laying down some rap at Great Oak’s Winter Holiday Horse Show. 10: Giddy up for a photo op at Great Oak’s Winter Holiday Horse Show. 11: Ann Villa, Executive Director at Great Oak, and Nicole Ballyntine of Women at Woodside Foundation. 12: Grace and Colby posing for their annual snapshot. 13: Marianne Yost and Andrew Siders at Whisper Farm’s Open House. 14: The spread at Whisper Farm’s Open House was amazing! Photography by Gayle Bryan

CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A I KE N

city scene CONTINUED

21 19

15: Michael and Traci Dickson touring some of the new additions at Whisper Farm. 16: Polo player, Peter Grover, popped in to surprise Marianne at her Whisper Farm Open House. 17: A rainy day did not keep folks from checking out Whisper Farm’s Open House. 18: Is that Mother Goose I see at Aiken Homes Team’s Client Appreciation event? 19: Stephanie and Vikki greeting clients at the Aiken Homes Team’s Client Appreciation Event. 20: Brandi on a Shelf was on hand at the Aiken Homes Team’s Client Appreciation Event. 21: Nancy and Joy greet guests at the Aiken Homes Team’s Client Appreciation Event. Photography by Gayle Bryan

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22: Tabletop arrangement from the Aiken Flower Truck, compliments of Aiken Homes Team, makes Christmas bright. 23: Laurel Youngblood helping out the Aiken Homes Team at the Customer Appreciation Event. 24: Silver and Gold Medal winners from the Reindeer Games Pickleball Tournament held at Houndslake. 25: Joy reconnecting with her clients at the Aiken Home Team’s Customer Appreciation Event. 26: Scott, Marley and Vikki bring a festive vibe to Aiken Homes Team’s Customer Appreciation Event. 27: Aiken Homes Team’s Brandi Cook and Vikki Crossland celebrating Christmas at their Client Appreciation Event. 28: Friends from Performance Above and the Aiken Chamber at the Aiken Home Team’s Event. Photography by Gayle Bryan

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ARTICLE BY SHELBY MAYER | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEGHANN PADGETT

TAKE A PEEK INSIDE AIKEN’S NEWEST SENIOR LIVING FACILITY

OAKS AT AIKEN 18

FAM ILY CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

When you hear the words "retirement home,” you might not think of state-of-the-art facilities, customized dining experiences or luxurious amenities. But that’s exactly

breed of assisted living facility. When they start working with a new resident, they meet with them and their loved ones in order to ensure that everything about their care will

“OAKS AT AIKEN WANT THEIR RESIDENTS TO CULTIVATE AN INDEPENDENT, PURPOSEFUL LIFESTYLE SURROUNDED BY THE SUPPORT OF A BUILT-IN COMMUNITY OF OTHER SENIORS.” what you’ll find when you visit Oaks at Aiken, and it’s why the community stands out from the crowd in the world of assisted living. Oaks at Aiken is the newest location for Oaks Senior Living, a family-owned and operated collection of assisted living communities that has been serving Georgia and South Carolina since 1998. This brand-new senior living community offers assisted living and memory and respite care, ensuring that they can meet the needs of a wide range of residents. Because what Oaks at Aiken truly prides itself on is its person-directed care. Oaks at Aiken is a new

be tailored specifically to them — their story, their history and what makes them unique. For residents of Oaks at Aiken, their days are filled with the many activities and amenities that the community provides. Residents can start their day on one of the external patios, enjoying the landscaped courtyards and water features, before filling their hours with visits to the beauty salon or on-site wellness centers. There is all-day dining at Oaks at Aiken and even available transportation to nearby shopping, dining and medical appointments. Residents can end their day by enjoying a movie in the theater room. CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A I KE N

All of the amenities provided at Oaks at Aiken serve a very specific goal: they want their residents to cultivate an independent, purposeful lifestyle surrounded by the support of a built-in community of other seniors. The lifestyle directors carefully plan the many programs and activities designed to enrich the residents’ lives and take the time to truly know and understand their residents, allowing them to create personalized, one-ofa-kind care. The Oaks at Aiken is located on Whiskey Road, putting it within a few minutes' drive of downtown Aiken which offers some of the best shopping and dining around. The beautiful new community can house 84 seniors and offers various styles of apartment units, including 1-2 bedrooms and studios. Not only is this facility filling a need for seniors in Aiken (and their families), but it’s also brought 55 new jobs to our town. If you’re considering assisted living, memory care or respite care for a loved one, you can learn more about Oaks at Aiken by visiting their website at oaksseniorliving.com/ communities/aiken-sc.

FAM ILY CA R E | HEALTH + WE LLN E SS

HOW TO KNOW WHEN IT IS TIME

When it comes to assisted living, one of the hardest things is recognizing when it’s actually time to make the move. We always want to help our loved ones keep that delicate balance between maintaining their independence while also ensuring their safety and well-being. Here are some signs it might be time to consider assisted living.

CHANGES IN DAILY ACTIVITIES

One of the first signs that a loved one may need help is when routine tasks become challenging or impossible. This could include daily hygiene, eating regularly, remembering to take medications, taking care of pets, driving themselves or even something as simple as opening the mail. If you notice ongoing issues like this, it may be an indication that the time has come for a move to a supportive living environment.

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Ongoing medical issues or poor health also play a crucial role. If managing their health concerns alone has become overwhelming or if there is an increased risk of accidents due to physical limitations, then the supportive services available in an assisted living facility can offer you and your loved one peace of mind.

SOCIAL ISOLATION

Another red flag is social isolation. Seniors may find themselves feeling lonely or disconnected, leading to a decline in mental and emotional well-being. Assisted living facilities provide a built-in community, fostering social engagement and companionship.

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The Art of Orchestration A MAESTRO’S PERSPECTIVE ON CREATING A SYMPHONY

Scott Weiss, Music Director and Conductor In the world of classical music, the symphony conductor plays a pivotal role in shaping and bringing to life the rich tapestry of sound that is a symphony performance. Renowned conductor, Scott Weiss, has a career spanning decades and an impressive repertoire of performances leading orchestras worldwide. He graciously shared his insights into the intricate process of creating a symphony performance. Weiss, currently serving as the Music Director and Conductor for the Aiken Symphony, speaks passionately about the collaborative nature of symphonic music. “Conductors in the 21st century consider ourselves to be realizers of a musical composition as opposed to recreators or interpreters of the music. For me, after conducting hundreds of pieces, I can see and feel how I want to honor a composer’s piece for an audience.” The journey of crafting a symphony performance begins with a thorough understanding of the composition itself. Weiss emphasizes the importance of delving into the historical context, knowing the history of a composer and grasping the cultural milieu in which the piece was created. Weiss spends hours every day at the piano becoming intimately familiar with the nuances and subtleties that make each composition a singular masterpiece. He has also

ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY GORDON HUMPHRIES

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

spent countless hours working with the Aiken Symphony selecting and working with each individual musician performing with the orchestra. Weiss emphasized the importance of building trust and engaging in a collaborative dialogue with his musicians. Rehearsals become a forum for exploring ideas, experimenting with interpretations and finding a collective voice that honors both the composition and the musician's individual history. Weiss is more focused on fostering an environment where creativity can flourish than imposing his will and vision on the orchestra. “I have my hands on the reins, but I am more along for the ride and just guiding them; if something goes awry, I can grab those reins and make corrections.” A conductor’s gestural language is also a fundamental aspect of communication during rehearsals and performances. He recalled his teacher telling him prior to his first conductor’s performance, “Whatever you do, don’t stop.” At the time Weiss was confused by the statement, but when he first stepped up to the podium and this massive wave of sound hit him, it was overwhelming; he understood what his teacher meant. Continuing to move and gesture this non-verbal communication to his musicians is important because it conveys emotion, phrasing, dynamics and tempo. The conductor-musician relationship is a symbiotic one, where trust and mutual respect are paramount. Weiss discussed the importance of musicians being passionate about their work and really believing in the importance of practicing their craft in preparation of a performance. He wants his musicians to be as passionate as he is about being the very best and achieving a high level of precision and musicality in every performance.

“I have my hands on the reins, but I am more along for the ride and just guiding them; if something goes awry, I can grab those reins and make corrections.” CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A I KE N

“If you want to be a great conductor, stand in front of a great orchestra.”

Weiss expressed a quote he is endeared to, “If you want to be a great conductor, stand in front of a great orchestra.” Weiss is a true advocate for the importance of the symphony and a love of classical music. He consistently voices that anyone can come and enjoy the concerts. Weiss and the Aiken Symphony are a true treasure in Aiken. They transport their listeners to different emotional realms and evoke a myriad of feelings and memories. Weiss discussed how he is sound-driven and how the sound, colors and textures of what he does fuel him in every performance. He loves the interaction he experiences with his orchestra and with the attendees of each concert. You can tell that he measures a performance by the emotional impact left upon both the musicians and the audience. The success of the Aiken Symphony is an undeniable testament to the enduring power of orchestral music in the hands of this skilled conductor.

M UST SE E | ARTS + C ULT U RE

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Fo r t h e L ove o f C h o c o l a te BEBBETTE SMITH BRINGS AUTHENTIC BELGIUM CHOCOLATE TO AIKEN

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY GAYLE BRYAN

H OW TO | FO O D + BEVER AGE

After years of bringing chocolates back to the States from Belgium, Bebette Smith, owner of La Bonbonniere, decided to learn how to make her own, and Aiken is glad she did! Smith was born and raised in Belgium. She met Larry, her husband and then army brat, at a local pool in her hometown, and by 1972 they were married. Smith followed her military husband to wherever he was stationed, Fort Gordon being one. Once it was time to settle, they found themselves back in the Augusta area. Smith was a 2nd grade teacher for almost 20 years in Augusta (to which she credits for really fine-tuning her English) and also enjoyed teaching fitness classes and directing activities at Savannah Lakes and at Cumberland Village here in Aiken. But Smith was ready for a career change. On her yearly visits back to Belgium, she would always buy local chocolates to bring back for friends. On one trip in particular, she visited a chocolatier, Alain Bressant, and his wife, Cathy, at their shop in Beaumont, Belgium near her hometown. Striking up a conversation, Smith learned all about the chocolate business and even got a tour of the shop, which got her wheels turning. As she sat on the plane flying back, all Smith could think about was learning how to make chocolate and how much sense it would make for her, a Belgian, to make authentic Belgian chocolates, or pralines as they say. Smith felt it was the perfect time in her life to make the move and start this small business venture. She got back in touch with the Bressants for some advice to get started. Instead of completing the normal, required 4 years of school that it takes in Belgium, Smith was able to attend a chocolate-making workshop, taught by renowned chocolatier, Jean Pierre Wybauw, to learn the basics. And, of course, her newly found chocolatier friend was just a phone call away to

help troubleshoot as needed. Smith opened her first little space of 600 square feet, bought a couple of appliances and worked tirelessly on the weekends to perfect her chocolates. The grand opening of La Bonbonniere in Augusta was held in June of 2005 and since then, Smith has continued to learn and perfect her craft. She has remained friends with the Bressants and is able to have them as a lifeline through the whole process. Smith has attended chocolate shows in Paris with chocolate makers from all over the world and has plans to visit Theobroma cacao tree farms in Ecuador in early 2024 to see the very beginnings of her product. La Bonbonniere of Aiken opened downtown on Chesterfield Street just this past spring in March of 2023 and has been steadily gaining a following! Smith offers white, milk and dark chocolates filled with a variety of flavors including lemon, Irish cream, peanut butter, rum raisin, caramel, amaretto almond and mint just to name a few. Her chocolate boxes are incredible and made in so many different shapes like horseshoes, stars, pillow tops, Tiffany boxes and sunflowers. These are filled with assorted chocolates–a sweet tooth’s dream! Her holiday chocolates are just as beautiful as they are delicious and make the perfect gift. Talking with Smith, it’s clear that she has an amazing work ethic and her customer service is top-notch. She cares about taking care of her employees and her customers along with making an authentic and delectable product. Visit La Bonbonniere at 227 Chesterfield St. South in downtown Aiken and hopefully meet Bebette and get a chance to talk with her. They are open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 5 pm. The website is labonbonniereaugusta.com and has information on chocolates and pricing.

“All Smith could think about was learning how to make chocolate and how much sense it would make for her, a Belgian, to make authentic Belgian chocolates.” CONTINUED >

FEB R UARY 2 0 2 4 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / A I KE N

“Smith was able to attend a chocolate-making workshop, taught by renowned chocolatier, Jean Pierre Wybauw, to learn the basics.”

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Behind the Scenes of the Aiken Antique Show A Fundraiser to Support the Aiken Center for the Arts ARTICLE BY NIKITA HANIF | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT WEBSTER & GAYLE BRYAN

Entering its 24th year the Aiken Center for the Arts hosts a yearly celebrated fundraising event, the Aiken Antique Show. This event not only captivates antique enthusiasts, locals and visitors, but it also serves as the sole fundraiser for the local art center. Spearheading this incredible fundraiser is Lisa Castles, owner of York Cottage Antiques, Barbara Smoak, Co-chair for the show, and Caroline Gwinn, Executive Director for the Aiken Center for the Arts. These ladies oversee numerous aspects of the show from coordinating vendors, scheduling presentations, guiding volunteers and preparing their glamorous Cocktails and Collectors preview party, making it an event that seamlessly blends history, culture and community spirit. The Aiken Antique Show is more than just a gathering of antique dealers and enthusiasts;

it is a vital cog in the machinery that supports the Aiken Center for the Arts. This event plays a pivotal role in promoting and sustaining this incredible cultural hub, allowing it to flourish as a beacon of artistic expression within the Aiken community. The funds generated from the antique show contribute significantly to the center’s operational costs, ensuring its continued ability to offer art exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach initiatives. The heart of the antique show lies in the carefully curated selection of vendors who bring their treasures to our historic town. Castles explained how she works diligently to pull from their long list of vendors across the Southeast and coordinate a diverse group of 21 specialized antique dealers. Her dedication and focus on orchestrating vendors that CONTINUED >

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are credible and knowledgeable guarantees the items curated for the show are a unique selection of antiquities. Yearly planning and careful selection by Castles help align an offering that not only appeals to the amateur first-timers but also to the lifetime collectors who attend year after year. The logistics involved in transporting valuable antiques can be quite complex. More than 50 volunteers work closely with vendors to facilitate the smooth arrival and setup of each exhibit. From ensuring proper security measures to creating an aesthetically pleasing layout, every detail is considered to create an immersive and enjoyable experience for both vendors and attendees. Along with the bustling exhibition floor, the Aiken Antique Show distinguishes itself by offering enticing and exciting presentations. Each year the focus is on making sure they have an informative and unique set of sessions. The first session on Friday is presented by Mimi Bremer Woodruff and Sara Summerour who are silver experts from Beverly Bremer Silver Shop. These talented ladies draw from their lifetime experience and educate attendees on various topics including starting a silver collection, cleaning silver and elevating the use of silver in the home. The second session is hosted by Kirkland Moore who is a Landscape Architect and Garden Historian as well as the owner of Oakleaf. His session explores how to bring springtime indoors and explore the details of old-time gardens. These sessions not only enrich the visitor experience but also contribute to the show’s broader mission of fostering an appreciation of art and history through the Aiken Center of the Arts. The grandeur of the Aiken Antique Show is kicked off on Thursday with the glamorous preview party, Cocktails and Collectors, a highly anticipated event that sets the stage for the weekend ahead. The party serves as a preview of the treasures awaiting attendees on the show floor, creating a buzz of excitement within the community. Attendees have an opportunity to mingle with dealers, artists and fellow enthusiasts. In addition to the preview party, volunteers provide an exquisite lunch each day of the show at their Collectors Café and host a delectable brunch featuring a bloody mary bar on Sunday ensuring every attendee has a spectacular experience to remember. The goal of all of this meticulous planning is to continue to help fund and support the Aiken Center for the Arts, and the efforts of Castles, Smoak and Gwinn, along with the help from more than 200 volunteers, are pivotal in raising these critical funds for the arts center. This funding allows the art center to nurture and inspire the creativity of artists of all ages and skill levels and allows their work to thrive and continue to intrigue the Aiken community.

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THE Hear t SHOW A MUSICAL PRODUCTION WITH A TON OF HEART

ARTICLE BY ASHLEY ELVIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY JENNIFER PARROTT AND AIKEN HEART SHOW

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | ARTS + CU LT U RE

his year marks 44 years of the Heart Show - a five-night, six-show original musical production benefitting the American Heart Association. This huge undertaking all began with Jim Moore and his love of theater paired with his respect for and friendship with Eleanor Bookstaver, the founder and advisor of the Aiken Women’s Heart Board. Each year, the Heart Show raises about $120,000 for the American Heart Association, which brings the total through the years to over $2.6 million. This incredible fundraiser helps fight against heart disease, the number one cause of death in the US. And it all begins each year with the idea of a storyline.

Each spring, Moore gathers together a small group of Heart Show veterans which consists of son, Jimmy Moore and daughter, Julie Moore Whitesell, along with Carter Hopkins, Sallye Rich, Jack Benjamin and Paul Crook to work on writing the next year’s play. They meet a couple of times a month to brainstorm, write, choose music and decide on the cast. It’s truly a labor of love put on by a team dedicated to supporting a great cause. Along with the 45 women on the Aiken Women’s Heart Board who are the hardworking, behindthe-scenes “crew” of the production, the cast, backstage hands and technicians put on an amazing show-new and unique each year. The plot is always entertaining, the cast is full of talented and familiar faces and there’s plenty of music to enjoy.

When asked about the Heart Show, Julie Whitesell said, “Part of the magic…is that the cast is like family with members remaining mostly year after year. And on occasion, new members join such as recent additions Patrick Boylan, Cara Doolittle and Casey Young. Robbie Purvis is an original cast member having been in the fashion show prior to it being an original musical.” The 2024 Heart Show is called Heart Revival. It’s set during the Depression and asks the question, “Does good prevail over evil?” It’s definitely going to be one to catch! The show runs February 21-25 with matinees available on the 24th and 25th. Be sure to contact one of the “ticket ladies” to purchase! The Aiken Women’s Heart Board website has ticket information: awhb.org

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events A SELECTION OF U P C O M I N G LO C A L E V E N T S

FEBR UARY 2ND - 4 TH

Aiken Antique Show Aiken Center for the Arts Experience the excitement of the annual Aiken Antique Show, showcasing top antique dealers from the region. Join us for three days of fun-filled activities you won't want to miss.

FEBR UARY 3 R D

Fashion for Compassion Gala Houndslake Country Club | 6:00 PM Indulge in a night of glamour as the finest attire from renowned Lauren's Street "fashion houses" is showcased! Cheer Aiken celebrity models featuring stunning ensembles. The evening includes a live auction as well as silent auction items. The cash bar will open at 6:00 pm and be available all evening. Proceeds from the gala will support Aiken Equine Rescue.

FEBR UARY 9 TH

Breeze Days Aiken Training Track | 7:30 - 10 AM Breeze Days have returned to Aiken. Join us at the Clockers' Stand on February 9th or 21st to see how a young thoroughbred learns to be a racehorse. Open to the public. CONTINUED >

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events

CONTINUED

FEBR UARY 20 TH

Tuesdays in the Park Aiken Horse Park | 7:45 AM - 4:00 PM Join us at Bruce’s Field for Winter Tuesdays in February, where local riders gear up for upcoming competitions in Jumper, Hunter, and Dressage arenas. Open to the public

FEBR UARY 21ST-25TH

Heart Show 2024 The Etherredge Center, USCA | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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The Heart Show Encore 2024, presented by the Aiken Women’s Heart Board and the USCA Theatre Department, is back for multiple shows in February. Proceeds support the American Heart Association and the USCA Theatre Department scholarship fund.

FEBR UARY 26TH - MAR CH 1 ST

Five Day Painting Workshop with Booth Malone Aiken Center for the Arts Award-winning equestrian artist Booth Malone of Columbus, GA will teach an oil painting workshop for intermediate to advanced level oil painters. While working with the subject matter of your choice, this year’s workshop will place an emphasis on composition and design, making your artwork visually coherent and “impactful”. There is no online registration, but you may sign up at the front desk or by calling 803-641-9094.

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