"Locally, everyone thinks they know Columbia," said Daisy Pagan, vice president of the Merchants Association of Columbia (MAC). "Think again. ... Columbia is quickly becoming a destination for all."

To showcase everything Columbia has to offer, MAC is hosting Discover Columbia Again. The weeklong event will run from Friday, Sept. 23, through Saturday, Oct. 1, and will feature a variety of activities throughout the town. The hours of Discover Columbia Again are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

"Mostly all of the events will start or stop at the market house," Pagan stated, referring to the Columbia Market House, located at 15 S. Third St. "It's an organic collaboration as the market house is the main hub of our town."

Highlights of the week include For What It's Worth, she said. "This is our version of the 'Antiques Roadshow,'" Pagan explained, noting that YouTube star The Antique Nomad (George Higby) will be featured at the event at the Columbia Market House from noon to 4 p.m. on Sept. 23. People are encouraged to bring one handheld antique for certified appraisers to evaluate. On Friday, Sept. 30, a meet-and-greet with YouTubers Crazy Lamp Lady and Dagny of Flying Pig Thrifts will be held from noon to 4 p.m.

On Sept. 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. and on Oct. 1 from 10 a.m. to noon, The Mayfly Hunt Tour will be held. This event for people of all ages will be a scavenger hunt around town to find mayfly statues.

A Chili for Charity Cook-Off will be a highlight of Saturday, Sept. 24. It will be held at The Columbia Kettle Works, 40 N. Third St., from 1 to 3 p.m. A ticket will include samples of each chili entry and the opportunity to vote for the winners. Vendors will be featured during the cook-off, as well as live music from Bobby Gentilo.

Additional events throughout the week will include historical architecture tours, plein air artists, a pet adoption event, river safety seminars, a bourbon-tasting seminar and a MAC + Cheese Festival. "The MAC + Cheese Festival is going to be fabulous," Pagan remarked, explaining that it will be held on Oct. 1 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Columbia Market House, and it will include the opportunity to sample a variety of macaroni and cheese dishes from Columbia eateries with the purchase of a ticket.

Discover Columbia Again will also feature punch cards for participants to use at participating shops and businesses. People who visit 10 places and get a punch on their card during the week may enter to win a cash prize, Pagan commented, noting that participating places will display a Discover Columbia Again poster.

Pagan emphasized that the week would not be possible without the support of sponsors Nikolaus & Hohenadel, Majik, Workman Funeral Home and Create Columbia. Most of the events held during Discover Columbia Again are free. For a complete listing of events and activities, visit http://www.discovercolumbia.com or http://www.columbiamerchants.org.