New Year’s celebrations in the Midlands continue both virtually and in person

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - Famously Hot New Year is taking to the web this year instead of the streets.

“Safety is first. People’s lives are most important. So many lives have already been lost and we don’t wanna lose a life just for the sake of having a party so we decided to do something safe,” said spokeswoman Gretchen Barron.

While the New Year’s Eve action on Main Street is being put on hold, Five Points remained a destination to ring in the new year.

“We’re visiting our boy Jimmy from South Carolina tonight. We’re about to have a good time. New Year’s is always the highlight of our lives,’ said one Five Points patron.

Even on a holiday, COVID restrictions remain in place, including Columbia’s mask ordinance and the governor’s “last call order”, which ended the sale of alcohol at 11 p.m.

“I’m gonna wear my mask tonight be safe and hopefully no coronavirus,” said another holiday reveler.

To make sure everyone adheres to the rules in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, the Columbia Fire Department is keeping a close eye on the celebrations.

“Because we don’t have activities on Main Street that we normally have, that means the clubs may get a little crowded. So, we’re gonna be out here enforcing both the over capacity and the mask ordinance,” said Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins.

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