COLUMBIA — Before the floats and marching bands roll down Locust Street on Thursday night, a downtown coffee shop is handing out carving tools — free of charge.
HomeGoodies & Coffee, 336 Locust St., will host a free pumpkin carving ahead of the 79th annual Mardi Gras “Halloween” Parade on Thursday, Oct. 22. 5PM-7PM
There is no cost to take part, and the shop will provide all the carving tools. Participants just need to show up.
The timing puts carvers in the middle of the action. The cafe, in the Ignite building, sits directly on the parade route, which runs along Locust Street from Second to Sixth streets.
The parade steps off at 7 p.m. from the Columbia Borough Fire Department at 10th and Manor streets. This year’s theme, “Celebrating Our Roots,” honors Columbia’s 300th anniversary and America’s 250th.
Home Goodies serves coffee and espresso drinks, breakfast and lunch sandwiches, soups and salads. It also sells homemade baked goods and home decor, and offers indoor seating and an outdoor courtyard.
HomeGoodies & Coffee is closed Mondays and normally open 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekends. For more information, call (717) 220-5851.
