Road races, a salute to poultry and garden tours among top Columbia area events, May 9-15

TRANSIT OF MERCURY VIEWING: 8:30 a.m.-2:42 p.m. Monday at the S.C. South Carolina State Museum. The museum will open early to offer guests the chance to safely observe the transit of Mercury from the Boeing Observatory. During this event, the planet Mercury will appear to cross the face of the sun. Viewing is included with museum membership or general admission. Viewing is dependent on clear skies. Adults 13-61, $8.95; seniors 62 and older, $7.95; children 3-12, $6.95; members and children 2 and younger, free. $1 off for military. 301 Gervais St. www.scmuseum.org

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REMEMBERING COLUMBIA SERIES AND BOOK SIGNING: Noon-1 p.m. Tuesday at Robert Mills Carriage House. Join John Sherrer for his latest installment of the “Remembering Columbia” series as he guides guests through a visual road map of Columbia’s past and present. There will be a book signing following each presentation. Participants will have the opportunity to purchase “Remembering Columbia” at the gift shop at Robert Mills for $24 (members) or $27 (non-members). Single lecture, $10. 1616 Blanding St. (803) 252-1770, www.historiccolumbia.org

12-CENT KIDS’ DAY AT EDVENTURE: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday at EdVenture Children’s Museum. In celebration of EdVenture’s 12th birthday, admission is only 12 cents for kids on the 12th of each month. Purchase an EdVenture membership at the museum on the 12th and you’ll receive 12 Chick-fil-A Kids meals. Admission for adults or accompanying guardians remains at regular price. 211 Gervais St. www.edventure.org

MOONLIGHT CEMETERY & SECRETS FROM THE GRAVE TOURS: 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. Thursday at Elmwood Cemetery & Gardens. Grab your flashlight and discover 160 years of history at Columbia’s oldest cemeteries. A family friendly event presented by Historic Columbia. Members $8 adults, $4 youth; non-members: $12 adults, $6 youth. 501 Elmwood Ave. www.historiccolumbia.org

COKIE ROBERTS AT 175TH CELEBRATION OF SOUTH CAROLINIANA LIBRARY: 6 p.m. Thursday at Drayton Hall Theatre. Journalist and author Cokie Roberts will be the guest speaker at the closing event of the175th anniversary celebration for the historic South Caroliniana Library. Roberts has used South Caroliniana collections for her books on women who helped shape America. A reception and behind-the-scenes tour will follow at the South Caroliniana Library, 910 Sumter St. on the University of South Carolina’s Horseshoe. 1214 College St. RSVP by May 9 to (803) 576-6016, libdev@mailbox.sc.edu. http://library.sc.edu/p/Collections/SCL

SC POULTRY FESTIVAL: 5-10 p.m. Thursday at 101 Main St., Batesburg-Leesville, Lexington County. This Thursday through Saturday festival includes a variety of events happening on different days. Enjoy favorites like the annual parade, road race, volleyball tournament, cooking contest, car show, games and rides. A fireworks display caps the festival Saturday night. Thursday night is one-price ride night. www.scpoultryfestival.com

COLUMBIA GREEN ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF GARDENS: 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Friday at various locations. Ten private, diverse gardens in the historic Wales Garden and Hollywood-Rose Hill neighborhoods will be on tour. Tickets to the festival include mid-day refreshments and the sale of plants and garden-related arts and crafts. DiPrato’s, Publico, and Il Giogione restaurants will be offering tour attendees a 10 percent discount on purchases made the days of the tours. Advance tickets, $30; Columbia Green members, $20. The day of the tour, each is an additional $5. www.columbiagreen.org

ROUTE TO (RE)SETTLEMENT: 1-4 p.m. Friday at Mann-Simons Site. Historic Columbia, Palmetto Curatorial Exchange, and Connelly & Light present “Route to (re)settlement,” the first installment of an exhibition series examining the stories of African American communities in South Carolina. The exhibition features works by acclaimed and up-and-coming artists alike. The works illustrate how Southern black oral stories have been told through the past to present. Free. 1403 Richland St. www.facebook.com/events/1631287230528898/

GOVERNOR’S CUP ROAD RACE: 7 a.m. (half-marathon), 7:30 a.m. (5K), 8:30 a.m. (kids’ fun run) Saturday in downtown Columbia. The Governor’s Cup Road Race, one of the oldest road races in the Southeast, is trying something new – several things, actually – including a new course and a new Friday event, the Main Street Mile (7 p.m. at 1801 Main St.). $80, half-marathon; $35, 5K; $10, kids’ fun run. Late registration is 11 a.m.-7:30 p.m. at the Expo at Hilton Columbia Center, 924 Senate St. There is no day-of registration. www.governorscupsc.org

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17TH ANNUAL FOREST ACRES FESTIVAL: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at the AC Flora Athletic Field. Families can enjoy free magic shows, a petting zoo, face painting, local mascots, pony rides and a separate games area for very young children. Live professional bands and community performances will provide entertainment on the stage. Delicious food from local Forest Acres restaurants will be available for purchase. Presented by the Rotary Club of Forest Acres and the City of Forest Acres. All rides and admission is free. 1 Falcon Dr. www.facebook.com/events/1006707726070374/

JEWISH UNITY DAY FEATURING “THE MACCABEATS:” 12:30-3 p.m. Sunday at Chabad Aleph House. Come out for a day of fun, Jewish unity and entertainment including a children’s mega Challah bake, barbecue lunch, and live music from the acapella group “ The Maccabeats.” $25 adults, $10 children ages 5-12, free for children under 5, $50 for the family. 2509 Decker Blvd. Reservations: www.chabadofsc.com

This story was originally published May 8, 2016 at 12:46 PM with the headline "Road races, a salute to poultry and garden tours among top Columbia area events, May 9-15."