The second annual 803 Day Celebration, held August 1-3, 2025, brought together more than 2,000 people across a vibrant weekend lineup of events, including a sponsor mixer in West Columbia, 5K Run/Walk in Forest Acres, citywide scavenger hunt across Richland and Lexington counties, and a free festival at Doko Meadows Park in Blythewood.
Created to celebrate the culture, people, and businesses of the 803 area code, this year’s event exceeded expectations with recordbreaking attendance, increased business participation, and a deep sense of community pride. People within the 803 region included: Lexington, Elgin, Blythewood, Irmo, West Columbia, Gaston, Orangeburg, Chapin, Camden, Winnsboro, and all parts of Columbia. Attendees also came from North Carolina and Georgia to participate in the festivities. From youth to mid-70s, people from all walks of life showed support throughout the weekend. Over 104,000 social media views contributed to the success of the celebration.
“This weekend was proof of what happens when a community shows up for itself,” said Khali Gallman, founder
of 803 Day and the Soda City Certified app. “From the runners to the restaurant goers, volunteers to vendors, phenomenal local t-shirt artists – everyone brought their own flavor to 803 Day. It’s more than just a celebration; it’s a love letter to the Midlands. We have so much more in store for next year.”
The weekend kicked off with a Pre-803 Day Sponsor Mixer, followed by the 803 Day 5K Run/Walk in Forest Acres, benefiting the Cola Rose Shower, a nonprofit celebrating women and the health challenges they overcome, where over 110 race runners and walkers took over Trenholm Road. A dynamic scavenger hunt sent participants across Richland and Lexington counties to connect with local
businesses and landmarks, while Sunday’s 803 Day Festival featured over 25 vendors, food trucks, live music, and community resource partners. Approximately 6 boxes of canned goods were collected for the Christian Assistance Bridge (CAB) of Blythewood, South Carolina. CAB assists residents of Northeast Columbia, Blythewood, and Ridgeway areas who have fallen on hard times and may need assistance with living expenses or groceries. An estimated 4 bins of back-to-school supplies were collected for the JoO Foundation, a local 501c3 that has numerous annual community giveaway events for youth and families in need.
Behind the scenes, much
personal development.
“Seeing the growth in children from the time they walk in for their first class, and for those that do stay around long enough to earn their black belts—to see the transformation in the way they think, the way they focus, the way they act, the way they behave—is to see their transformation to become very good people.”
Tony Thomas Family Karate will relocate to the Palmetto Place Shopping Center on Two Notch Road.
of the event’s success was powered by strong logistics, coordination, and teamwork. Sade James-Bethea, founder of SJB Event Management, served as the event manager and helped execute key components including vendor coordination, site visits, and festival logistics.
“Being a part of 803 Day was more than just managing an event — it was about helping bring a vision to life that empowers our community. As a Columbia native who has worked with numerous events, this one is most special
