Challenge yourself: apply for chef-in-residence program or enter your baking and canning at SC State Fair competition

National Tequila Day is Sunday, July 24.

How competitive are you? The State Fair is officially accepting entries for baking, canning and other Home & Craft Department competition exhibitions. Pre-registration is open now through Sept. 1. For more information or to complete a registration form, go to www.scstatefair.org.

Robert Rauschenberg Foundation accepting applications for Chef-in-Residence Program on Captiva Island, Florida. All chefs — no matter their location or level of experience — are encouraged to apply. Robert Rauschenberg was an American painter and graphic artist whose early works anticipated the pop art movement and a contemporary of Jasper Johns. The chef-in-residence, in addition to providing healthful meals for other artists-in-residence, will participate in an active artist community while pursuing personal culinary interests and research. Deadline: Aug. 1. Information: www.rauschenbergfoundation.org/residency/chef-residence

2016 Palmetto Palate, 6-9 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at 701 Whaley. An evening of fun and food and friendly competition between area chefs using South Carolina produce. Tickets $50/person with proceeds to benefit Plant It Forward SC, an initiative by South Carolina Advocates for Agriculture with support from SC Department of Agriculture, Clemson University, SC Farm Bureau and Palmetto AgriBusiness Council to help provide farmers devastated by the October 2015 floods with the tools they need to rebuild and replant. Silent auction items provided by local county Farm Bureaus in South Carolina. www.eventbrite.com.

South Carolina Peach Festival: Through Saturday, July 23, in Gaffney. Among the main events throughout the festival run are a peach-eating contest, road race, carnival, barbecue cookoff, mud bog and much more. Details: www.scpeachfestival.net.

Tea and Chocolate Pairing, 6 p.m July 27 at 302 Artisans. Enjoy sweet creations by Evolution Through Chocolate paired with flavored iced teas from J. Cottage Industries. Tickets $12/person, available at squareup.com/store/j-cottage-at-302. 302 Senate St.

Senate’s End Summer Festival, noon-6 p.m. July 31 at 302 Artisans. Enjoy an evening by the river with local artisans and crafters, musicians and great food. 302 Senate St.www.facebook.com/302Artisans

UGK: It Takes A Village pop-up dinner, 7 p.m. Aug. 1. Tickets $125/person for a multi-course family-style dinner with a mystery guest chef at a soon-to-be-disclosed location. Sign up for tickets at theundergroundkitchen.org

Brew at the Zoo, Aug. 5, Riverbanks Zoo. Make plans now to join us for the coolest suds sippin’ safari in Columbia. Brew at the Zoo provides the perfect remedy to those muggy Midlands’ days—samples of cold, frothy beer. From domestics to imports to specialty micros, guests can choose their brew and meander through the Zoo or hang out in the plaza and listen to live music. No one under 21 will be admitted. Proceeds support ongoing conservation and education efforts at Riverbanks. Visit www.riverbanks.org for more information.

Barkin Boots & BBQ, 6 p.m. Aug. 6, a fundraising event for PetsInc. Tickets $25/person include full BBQ plate with two sides and dessert by All Smoked Up, unlimited iced tea, water and lemonade and chance to win door prizes. Sponsorship tables available $250-$2,500. Show your stuff in the single/couples one-minute dance contest. Tickets and information at www.petsinc.org/BBQ. 300 Orchard Dr., West Columbia, (803) 739-9333.

Growing and Cooking with Herbs, 10-11 a.m. Aug. 6 at Wingard’s Market. Learn ahow to grow and use herbs. $10/person, redeemable with purchase at Wingard’s Market. 1402, N Lake Drive, Lexington, (803) 359-9091, wingardsnursery.com/workshops.

Tour & Tasting: Lowcountry Style at Columbia Museum of Art, 6 p.m. Aug. 7. Part of the closing events for “Daufuskie Memories” exhibit, sample some of the best brews the South has to offer and enjoy a Lowcountry boil by Fancy That Bistro, then take a guided tour of the exhibit before it closes. $40/person, $32/CMA members. 1515 Main St., (803) 799-2810, columbiamuseum.org

SC Peanut Party, Aug. 12 & 13, Pelion. Now in its 35th year, join in the family friendly fun 5-11 p.m. Aug. 12 and 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Aug. 13. Compete in the P-Nutty Recipe Contest or the P-Nut Butter & Jelly Sandwich Eating Contest. Information at www.scpelionpeanutparty.com.

South by South Wine Dinner at Rosso, 6:30 p.m. Aug. 16. Enjoy a multi-course dinner with wine pairings, reservations only. Trenholm Plaza, 4840 Forest Dr., (803) 787-3949, www.rossocolumbia.com.

Asheville Wine and Food Festival: Sweet Friday, Aug. 19 and Grand Tasting Saturday, Aug. 20, showcases the best of Western North Carolina’s culinary offerings with chefs, restaurants, vineyards, breweries, distilleries and farms creating Asheville’s “Foodtopian” Society. Tickets available at ashevillewineandfood.com

S.C. Food Access Summit, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Aug. 24 at The River Center at Saluda Shoals Park, 5605 Bush River Rd., focuses on efforts to improve access to healthy food for South Carolinians with limited financial resources. Keynote speaker is Anthony Flaccavento, President and founder of SCALE, Inc. Session topics include advocacy and policy, community economic development, transportation and food access, and funding healthy food projects. $20/person, tickets at eventbrite.com.

Children’s Trust of South Carolina Be A Star for Prevention Benefit Gala & Silent Auction, 7-11 p.m. Aug. 27 at USC Alumni Center, 900 Senate St. Tickets $125/person includes open bar and heavy hors d’oeuvres, complimentary valet. Black tie optional, music by Swingin’ Richards. All proceeds to support Children’s Trust’s work to keep children safe in South Carolina. Information: scchildren.org.

Fall Vegetable Gardening Class, 10-11 a.m. Aug. 27 at Wingard’s Market. Learn about planting broccoli, collard greens, lettuces and more. $10/person, redeemable with purchase at Wingard’s Market. 1402, N Lake Drive, Lexington, (803) 359-9091, wingardsnursery.com/workshops.

Farmer | Chef | Brewer, 1-3 p.m. Sept. 11 at Homegrown Brewhouse, 117 South Main St., Summerville. Enjoy a five-course meal —each course prepared by a local chef paired with a beer from a local brewery, both using the same ingredient from a local farm. Tickets $60/person, available at eventbrite.

Euphoria 2016, Sept. 22-25 in various locations around Greenville. Guest chefs include Vivian Howard (Chef & Farmer, Kinston, NC), Rodney Scott (Scott’s BBQ), Myron Mixon (Jack’s Old South Bar-B-Que, Braselton, GA), Kenny Gilbert (Top Chef, Gilbert’s Underground Kitchen, Fenandina Beach, FL), Chris Hastings (Hot and Hot Fish Club, Birmingham, AL) and Craig Rogers (Border Springs Farm, VA). Tickets on sale now at www.euphoriagreenville.com.

2016 Great American Whiskey Fair, Sept. 29 at 701 Whaley, is the largest whiskey tasting in the United States. Early bird admission is $50/person and $100/person VIP, tickets available at eventbrite.com. More information at ExperienceWhiskey.com or email info@experiencewhiskey.com.

Pumpkintown Pumpkin Festival, Oct. 8 at Oolenoy Community Building. Parade starts at 9 a.m., BBQ, crafts, fun and pumpkins throughout the day.

Tickets for the second annual Gervais Street Bridge Dinner are now on sale. The event — a seated multi-course dinner for 1,000 with cocktails, beer and wine in the center of the bridge spanning the Congaree River — is scheduled for 4-8 p.m. Sunday, October 23. Tickets $150/person with reserved tables starting at $2,500 (for eight people). Proceeds will benefit Congaree Riverkeeper, Canoeing for Kids and Harvest Hope. Info: gervaisstreetbridgedinner.com.

Have Lunch at Old McCaskill’s Farm begins at noon every Friday. Served buffet style, first come, first served, $10 per person. Check out the farm store while you’re there for farm-raised meats, cheeses and more. 377 Cantey Lane, Rembert, (803) 432-9537, www.oldmccaskillfarm.com.

Wednesday Wine Tasting at Gervais & Vine: 5:30-7 p.m. Wednesday, sample a few while enjoying live music; or check out the Happy Hour Wine Flights, 4-6 p.m. Monday through Friday, three 2-ounce glasses for $8. 620 Gervais St. (803) 799-8463, www.gervine.com

Wine Wednesdays at Craft And Draft will feature select wines at $5 per glass and three to four wines that will be available for sampling and buying. Craft and Draft is at 2706 Devine St. (803) 764-2575, www.craftanddraftbeer.com.

Take a trip, see a farm: The South Carolina Agritourism Association has created a Passport Program for farms in order to educate folks on what the agriculture industry means to the state. Participants can get a passport from any of the 44 farms on the tour and the more stamps collected in the passport, the more chances to win prizes, with one winner taking home $100 in Certified SC products. https://agriculture.sc.gov/divisions/agency-services/agritourism/

Learn to become a farmer Incubator Farm plots available at Sandhill Research and Education Center on Clemson Road in Columbia. Participants in the Agriculture Incubator Program will have access to up to a 1/2 acre of irrigated land, a packing shed, equipment use, access to technical assistance, access to markets and training opportunities. Fee of $350 per year for up to three years, plus required safety and operation training. Contact Harry Crissy, hcrissy@clemson.edu (use “Columbia Incubator” in subject line) or call (843) 730-5211.

Get the App: South Carolina Farmers and Roadside Market App shows more than 200 farmers markets and roadside produce stands. Click on location to see address, hours of operation, and methods of payment. New recipes each month will feature in-season produce. www.scdhec.gov/farmersmarkets.

Pressure Canning Testing by Clemson Extension done by appointment at Sandhills Research and Education Center on Clemson Road. Have your pressure canner dial gauges checked for accuracy before use by an extension agent. $6, cash or check. Call 803-865-1216 ext. 114 for more information.

Two Gals and a Fork Food Tours and Historic Columbia present historic food tours of the Vista. Tours are 2 1/2 hours and guest will visit five restaurants, sample some specialties and learn the history of Columbia. Tickets $30-38, depending on the number in your party, custom tours for 10 or more guests. More information available at www.twogalsfoodtours.com or call (803) 360-0578.

Columbia Food Tours takes you on walking tours of downtown Columbia and Five Points to experience the culture and cuisine of the capital city. Sign up for a tour, and visit six to eight of Columbia restaurants and sample items. Tours last 2 1/2 hours, rain or shine. Details and ticket reservations, $42 per person, at www.columbiafoodtours.com

Columbia Brew Bus offers tours of Columbia’s beer/wine and distilling scene. Choose the Brewery Tour: includes pick-up/drop-off at Liberty Tap Room, stops at Conquest Brewing, River Rat Brewery and Swamp Cabbage Brewing. At each stop, you get at least 16 ounces of beer samples, brewery tour, Q&A with brewery staff and opportunity to buy brewery merchandise. Choose the Wine and Spirits Tour: pick-up/drop-off at Bourbon Columbia, stops at Copper Horse Distilling, Crouch Distilling and Vino Garage. Distilleries will offer tour and tasting session. Vino Garage will have a custom tasting hosted by owner Doug Aylard. Along the way, enjoy sightseeing, light snacks, trivia and prizes, coolers to keep purchases cold and an all-S.C. music playlist curated by Scene SC. Tickets $45/person, $20 designated driver. www.columbiabrewbus.com.

Copper Horse Distilling behind-the-scene tours on Fridays and Saturdays. Space is limited and reservations required, call (803) 779-2993 to book a spot. Large groups can be accommodated for private tours. All tours include a tasting of Copper Horse Distilling products (Old Mill Vodka, Copper Cream, Copper Horse Rum and Bulle Rock Gin). 929 Huger Street, www.copperhorsedistilling.com.

FoodShare Columbia connects families and communities with affordable fresh fruits and vegetables from local and regional farmers. The partnership of the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, Richland Library, USC School of Medicine, EdVenture Children’s Museum and the Columbia Housing Authority provides boxed food that can be ordered twice a month, between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. and 4-7 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Bellfield Cultural Arts Center at 2611 Grant St., (803) 255-8161. Cost is $20; $10 for SNAP participants. Cash and EBT accepted. www.facebook.com/FoodShare-Columbia

Healthy Cooking @ South Carolina BLUE: 6:15-7:15 p.m. Thursday, July 21, at 1260 Bower Parkway, register for FREE class using fresh, healthy ingredients to create quick and easy meals at eventbrite.com

Columbia’s Cooking: Mommy & Me Cooking Class, 10-11:30 a.m. July 26 for parents with children of any age, but material covered in this class is geared to children ages 3-7. $25 covers one parent and one child. Classes held at 915 Greene St., register for classes at www.ColumbiasCooking.org/classes.

Williams-Sonoma: Flavors of Spain July 31, recreates José Andrés’ classic paella. $30/person includes paella pan to take home. Call for reservation, (803) 749-4442, 100 Columbiana Circle, Suite 1332, www.williams-sonoma.com

Chef Francois Fisera: Join cooking classes at Fleur de Lys Home Culinary Institute. Classes $39 per person, wine extra, classes begin at 6:15 p.m. Schedule includes: July 23 & 26, filet of beef flambé stroganoff-style; July 29, Australia/New Zealand wine tasting with lamb stew; Aug. 2 & 5, seared tuna verde; Aug. 9 & 12, filet of beef flambe Rossini w/truffles & foie gras; Aug. 16 & 19, pork Oscar-style w/crabmeat bearnaise and asparagus; Aug. 23 & 30, crabcakes w/remoulade; Aug. 26, Old & New World red pinot tasting w/coq au vin. Fleur de Lys is at 3001 Millwood Ave. (803) 765-9999 or fleurdelyscolumbiasc.com

Let’s Cook Culinary Studio: Prices per person unless noted. Friday, July 22, couples Indian ($90/couple); July 29, small plates beach food ($40); Aug. 12, tapas ($40); Aug. 16, Wild Women ($50); Aug. 18, italian supper ($40); Aug. 19, couples cook ($90/couple); Aug. 23, hands-on Indian ($45); Aug. 26, small plate French ($40). Detailed listings at letscookculinary.com. Let’s Cook is at 1305 Assembly St., (803) 348-5874

McCutchen House at USC: Chef du jour classes (9 a.m.-1 p.m.): Saturday, July 23, Biscuits & Scones 101, $50/person. Wine classes: July 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Napa wines, $50/person. Registration for classes through McCutchen House or call Becky Moran (803) 777-8225, moranrs@mailbox.sc.edu.

Learn to make sushi at SakiTumi: By appointment, couples and small groups can call and arrange classes in the art of making sushi. Pricing options include food and class, or choose to include wine or hot sake. Call (803) 931-0700 after 2 p.m. for scheduling or information. SakiTumi is at 807 Gervais St.

Farmers in the Forest: Forest Acres Farmers Market at Richland Mall in the parking lot along Beltline Boulevard. Wednesdays 3-7 p.m. through Nov. 23. Vendor applications can be found at farmersintheforest.org; follow on Facebook.

Blythewood Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m. Wednesdays, Doko Meadows, 171 Langford Road, Blythewood. Michaela Barno, (843) 697-1733.

Northeast Farmers Market: 3-7 p.m. Thursdays through Oct. 25, Lake Carolina Town Center, Northeast Richland. www.lakecarolina.com

Rosewood Market Farmers Market: 4-7 p.m. every Friday, 2803 Rosewood Dr. (803) 256-6410 www.rosewoodmarket.com

Irmo Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m., first and third Saturdays through September, Irmo Community Park, 7507 Eastview Dr., Irmo. www.irmofarmersmarket.com

Kershaw County Farmers Market: 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays through Nov. 19 at 222 Broad St., Camden. www.kcfarmersmarket.org

(Lexington) Village Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturdays through September, Lexington Square Park, 205 E. Main St.

Soda City Market: 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday at the 1500 block of Main Street. www.sodacitysc.com

Sandhills Farmers Market: 2-7 p.m. Tuesdays through Nov. 22, 2016 at Sandhill Research Center, 900 Clemson Road, across from Village at Sandhill, Northeast Richland.

Healthy Carolina’s Farmers Market: 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Tuesdays on Greene Street in front of Preston. www.sa.sc.edu/healthycarolina/farmersmarket.

SEEDS OF HOPE FARMERS MARKETS All Seeds of Hope Markets accept WIC and DSS FMNP Vouchers.

▪ 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Wednesdays until October at the Lourie Center, 1650 Park Circle. (803) 779-1971

▪ 7:30-10:30 a.m. Thursdays into September at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland St. (803) 765-9430

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Thursdays until mid-July in the back parking lot of the Department of Health and Environmental Control, 2600 Bull St.

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Thursdays until early August at Tree of Life Congregation, 6719 N. Trenholm Road.

▪ 9 a.m.-noon Thursdays until September at Christopher Towers, 1805 Devine St. (803) 799-5876

▪ 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Thursdays until August at Shandon Presbyterian Church, 607 Woodrow St.

▪ Noon-2 p.m. Thursdays until early August at The Carolinas Apartments, 3201 Meadowlark Drive.

▪ 7-11 a.m. Saturdays until September at Virginia Wingard Memorial United Methodist Church, 1500 Broad River Road. (803) 772-0794

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays until August at Ashland United Methodist Church, 2600 Ashland Road. (803) 798-5350

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays until August at Grace United Methodist Church, 410 Harbison Blvd. (803) 732-1899

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Saturdays until October at Shandon United Methodist Church, 3407 Devine St. (803) 256-8383

▪ 9 a.m.-noon Saturdays until early August at Washington Street United Methodist Church, 1401 Washington St. (803) 256-2417

▪ 8 a.m.-noon Sundays until early August at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter St. (803) 771-7300

▪ 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sundays until early August at Unitarian Universalist Congregation, 2701 Heyward St. (803) 799-1746