Columbia, South Carolina – As New Year’s Eve approaches, setting off fireworks becomes a popular way to celebrate.
In the Midlands, the biggest event will be in Columbia, with a vibrant firework show planned at the State House grounds’ south end just after midnight.
According to Columbia Parks and Recreation Director Randy Davis, this is the second year the department is doing the fireworks, and said they are happy to do it again. He said that the department is aiming to make this a regular event each year. He also noted that the fireworks show will be spectacular inviting everyone to witness the magical event.
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If you plan to watch the 12 to 15-minute show, it’s a good idea to get there an hour early to find a good place.
“I’d say start arriving to the location at Gervais and main around 11 o’clock,” said Davis. “The city is offering complimentary parking,”
If you prefer setting off your own fireworks, Forest Casey, a fourth-generation fireworks seller at Casey’s Fireworks, mentioned they have a wide range for everyone.
“If people haven’t shot fireworks for the past few years there is a lot of new stuff,” he said. “We’ve got noiseless fireworks so people can shoot and have fireworks that are safe for their dogs and PTSD folks.”
You have the choice to celebrate New Year’s Eve either in your backyard or by watching Columbia’s city firework show. If you decide to set off your own fireworks, remember the new Richland County law: you can light them until 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve.
Casey mentions that people are worried about the new firework rules. However, fireworks are still allowed. You can use them until 10 p.m. on most days, and on New Year’s Eve, you can go until 1 a.m.
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Here’s the important info about parking and road closures for the city’s event:
Road Closures
- South Main Street, from Pendleton to College streets, will close at 8 a.m. on Sunday, December 31st, and won’t open until 2 a.m. on Monday, January 1st.
- Pendleton Street and College Street will be closed between Assembly Street and Sumter Street from 11:30 p.m. on December 31st to 12:30 a.m. on January 1st.
- Gervais Street, near the State House between Assembly and Sumter Streets, will close at 11:00 p.m. for fireworks viewing. It’ll reopen once the area is cleared after the fireworks.
Parking
The City of Columbia is providing free parking for New Year’s Eve. All city parking facilities with gates will be open free from 5 p.m. on Saturday, December 30th, until 2 a.m. on Tuesday, January 2nd.
For more information on parking in the City of Columbia and to view its parking facilities, visit parking.columbiasc.gov.
