As the holiday season came to an end Saturday, Experience Columbia made sure it ended on a high note.
An estimate 6,000 to 7,000 people from all over came to witness the final night of a month-long series of events that have included dramas, light shows, fire-pits and the ever-popular ice skating. Saturday night included live music and a dazzling fireworks show for the cheering crowds.
“I’m from New Orleans. I love it,” Tiffany Vicknair said.
“Very exciting. I love the music. Outstanding! I hope they keep this up annually,” crowd participant Kelly Johnson said.
The day started with the Columbia Gearheads Cruise-In with a large display of cars. Approximately 70 cars and trucks were on display. Bobby Ott won the People’s Choice Award for his Buick Grand National GNX.
The ice skating rinks stayed packed all day and night. At one point during the evening Santa’s Workshop was out of several sizes because so many were there to skate.
“We absolutely love it. Our kids loved the skating. They skated for 2 ½ hours. There is nothing like this anywhere close,” Katie Foster said.
As the sun was going down and the temperature started to drop, the fire pit became a welcome addition. People huddled around the pit for both warmth and also to enjoy s’mores. People also started setting up chairs on Main Street to enjoy the evening festivities. The Grinch Train, the tram and trolley all were running throughout the evening.
Around 7 p.m. a local band, 18 Miles, performed as the crowds started to get bigger and moving towards the stage, which was set up at the end of Main Street in front of the courthouse. By the time the headliner band, Troy Laz & 2 Hipnotic arrived, Main Street was nearly standing room only down to Second Street.
The live energy from the band was contagious, and soon everyone young and old was dancing in the streets.
“Good, wild, a grand time,” Kenneth Brown said.
A little after 9 p.m. the band took a break, while Mayor Justin McKenzie addressed the crowd. Following McKenzie was an exchange between Major Concern and Captain Columbia, which resulted in Major Concern being defeated and Captain Columbia saving the day. That set off the firework display to the oos and ahs of the crowd.
Once the fireworks display was over with, Troy Laz & 2 Hipnotic performed until 10:30 p.m. with ice skating continuing until after midnight.
Columbia Police Chief Michael Kelly said there were no issues involving the festivities Saturday.
Experience Columbia LLC in October entered into a two-year agreement with the Board of Aldermen to provide the Christmas celebration downtown.
Jacob Harrison said the number of visitors that came downtown throughout the month is currently unknown, but a team is working on comprising the numbers from both visits during the days and evenings.
