AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – People in Augusta came together on Sunday to support a woman fighting cancer.

Salon Vintage on Mike Padgett Highway held ‘Cuts for Courtney’ Sunday morning.

All the money raised from the event went to her travel expenses.

Other local businesses were able to help with the fundraising, and there was even a raffle.

She is fighting a rare cancer and is going to get treatment in Houston.

Courtney’s wife and Salon Vintage’s owner says the support for Courtney has been great.

“We decided that we wanted to do this because Courtney’s been a longtime client of ours, and so has Ashley in our salon, and she is battling cancer right now. So we wanted to give back to her, be able to bring the community in and have some people come out and support her,” said Angela Olivares, owner of Salon Vintage. “The support has meant so much more than just lifting the financial burden of her treatment. Just having the community show up for her and have something to look forward to and all the people that love her gather around to show their support. It’s just been really good for her spirits and our spirits.”

If you want to donate, the salon’s email is salonvintage15@yahoo.com.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Anime fest was back in town in Augusta this weekend.

The recurring event went to the Hilton DoubleTree on Saturday to celebrate the Japanese medium, with voice actors, cos-players, and even a lip sync contest.

We spoke to someone visiting about why they decided to come.

“So I love anime, I’ve loved Sailor Moon since I was five years old, so I’ve been trying to get to every con I can this year,” said Dominique Pina, visitor of the fest.

The con is looking to make a return, and there are other pop culture festivals the group hosts.

Copyright 2025 WRDW/WAGT. All rights reserved.

There are plenty of options for getting a live Christmas tree, but what about one that’s so fresh, it’s still in the ground?

Christmas tree farms will soon be reopening in the Augusta area for the holiday season. Not only do these make for great photo ops, but you can get your lumberjack on and cut the tree down yourself if you’d like. If not, that’s fine, the staff will cut it down for you. Here are four we found opening nearby and what to expect:

Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm

2335 Tobacco Rd, Augusta

Opening 9 a.m. Nov. 22, Gay’s Christmas Tree Farm is growing Murray Cypress and Carolina Sapphire as well as pre-harvested Douglas and Fraser Fir. The prices are the same as last year at about $11 per foot. The farm is open 2 p.m. until dark Monday-Thursday, 2-7 p.m. Fridays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays, and 1 p.m. until dark Sundays. For more info, go to gayschristmastreefarm.com.

Still Creek Tree Farm

442 Pine Log Rd, Beech Island, SC

Opening noon Nov. 21, Still Creek Tree Farm has seven different varieties in the Pine and Cyprus families ranging in price from $5 to $10 per foot. They also have imported, fresh-cut Fraser Firs at or below market price. The farm also puts on hayrides and visits with Santa Claus, but you’ll have to stay tuned to their Facebook or Instagram. Still Creek will be open 3:30-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, noon-5:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays, and by appointment.

Holiday Newsletter: Get the latest news on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s from Augusta Chronicle

Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm

39 Bennie Dorn Rd, Clarks Hill, SC

Opening Nov. 22, Clarks Hill Christmas Tree Farm has a range of trees from Leyland Cypress and Carolina Saphire to Red Cedar and Clemson Greenspire. Those 7-9 feet average about $10 per foot, with higher prices for the bigger trees. The farm will be open 2-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Saturday, and 1-5:30 p.m. Sunday. For more info, go to clarkshillchristmastreefarm.com.

Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees

402 Uncle Duck Rd, Monetta, SC

Opening 1 p.m. Nov. 23, Tom Sawyer’s Christmas Trees grow several different types of tree like Thuja Green Giant, Blue Ice, and White Pine as well as having Fraser Firs from North Carolina. Prices vary depending on the size and kind of tree you want, but they all generally start at 6 or 7 feet between $50-$80 for all but the Fraser Firs which start at $140. The farm will be marking the beginning of their season with a special blessing of the trees. For more info, go to tomsawyerschristmastrees.com.

Miguel Legoas is a Deep South Connect Team Reporter for Gannett/USA Today. Find him on Instagram @miguelegoas and email at mlegoas@gannett.com.