August is almost upon us, and with it comes some important events.

The first day of school in Lexington School District Two is Aug. 19. And the 2019 Sales Tax Holiday, according to the South Carolina Department of Revenue, is Aug. 2-4, next Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In West Columbia parents and students can buy school supplies at: Walmart, Dollar General, and Family Dollar. Some retailers provide a list of common back-to-school items.

During the annual Sales Tax Holiday, a variety of back-to-school essentials are exempt from the state’s 6% Sales Tax and any applicable local taxes. Tax-free items range from clothing, accessories, and shoes to school supplies, backpacks, and computers. Shoppers will also find tax-free items for their home or dorm room.

Susan Ross of West Columbia has three children in school at Riverbank Elementary and Northside Middle School. She said she looks forward to the tax holiday every year.

“We have bought a computer on the tax-free weekend before,” said Ross. “This year there are plenty of school supplies to buy and of course clothes for back-to-school. It is a treat to get those items minus the tax that is normally charged. We appreciate any savings because it helps with the budget.”

“School supplies” are items used in the classroom, or at home, with respect to school assignments.

The term “school supplies” includes computer supplies and musical instruments, such as pianos, when used in the classroom or at home with respect to school assignments. The term “school supplies” does not include items such as refrigerators, bicycles, tissues, hand sanitizer, and storage containers since they are not used for school assignments.
In west Columbia people can buy school supplies. Walmart, dollar general, and Family Dollar.

The S.C. Department of Revenue lists some facts regarding the Sales Tax Holiday:

The Sales Tax Holiday in South Carolina first started in 2000. In past years, shoppers have saved between $2 million and $3 million during the weekend. There are 19 taxes in the Sales and Use Tax family.

Brookland

With the onslaught of August, one of the most-significant projects in West Columbia is getting closer to completion. The multi-million-dollar complex known as “Brookland,” at the corner of State and Meeting streets, is almost finished.

“Buildings one and two are completed and filled,” said Matt Mundy, of Estates and Co., the developers of Brookland. The residents of those units can look out of their windows and see the Columbia skyline. On the west side of the complex, multi-story views of West Columbia avail themselves.

Also, signs that read: “Now Open” are draping the balcony of Building Three of Brookland. Mundy said that structure will begin filling up with residents, soon. He also said there should be an announcement coming about Brookland and the identity of commercial and retail tenants in the storefronts that are a part of the project.

Since final plans were approved for Brookland less than three years ago, development in the The River District, that borders the Congaree River, has blossomed. Soon, the new Interactive Art Park will open on Meeting Street.

It will connect to the large Savage Craft Ale Works complex coming to Center Street, in the old Brookland City Hall and Fire Station.
In the shadow of Brookland sits the site of West Columbia’s one-of-a-kind Enabling Park. The playground equipment for that landmark attraction was delivered Thursday.

There is so much going on, and August is an exciting time in West Columbia. Be sure to take advantage of all that is available.