On New Year’s Eve, the City of Columbia is going big. “Famously Hot” Columbia promises to provide a New Year’s Eve celebration unlike any the city has seen before. According to Mayor Steve Benjamin, this will be South Carolina’s New Year’s Eve event and a truly memorable night for everyone. “We’re excited about hosting what in years to come will make South Carolina host to the largest New Year’s Eve celebration in the Southeast,” he says.
Headlining the event will be Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and funk music innovator George Clinton and his band, Parliament Funkadelic. “Atomic Dog” and “Give up the Funk” are two examples of the songs that helped him reach Rock and Roll Hall of Fame status. Opening for Clinton and P-Funk will be regional and local acts, including Josh Roberts and The Hinges, as well as Pinna.
The streets will be lined with venders for you to peruse while you listen to the music. There will also be an area designated as “Resolution Row,” which will feature businesses and organizations that can help you achieve your 2012 New Year’s resolutions.
If you’re worried about missing any of the college football bowl game action, just visit the ESPN Zone to stay up to date on all the scores. There will be fireworks at the end of the night and an amazing Palmetto Tree and Crescent moon display during the midnight countdown.
The Dec. 31 event will take place on Main Street between Hampton and Taylor streets. Gates open at 7:30 p.m. and remaining open until 1:30 a.m. Live music and vendors open at 8 p.m. Parking and general admission are free. A limited number of tickets will be available for entry into “The Crescent Lounge” at 1441 Main Street for $100 a person. Budweiser of Columbia will sponsor Alert Cabs to drive you home, should you find a need.
The event will be aired live on WIS-TV beginning at 11 p.m., but surely this is one event you’ll want to experience in person.
For more information, visit www.famouslyhotnewyear.com.
