If you are planning to celebrate the New Year’s holiday by viewing the public fireworks display downtown, here’s a few safety updates on road closures, parking and firework safety information.
Road Closure Schedule from Columbia Police Department:
December 31, 2021
8:00 a.m.
- 900 block of South Main St., from Pendleton St. to College St., closes
11:00 p.m.
- 1100 and 1200 blocks of Pendleton St. closed
- 1100 and 1200 blocks of College St. closed
Streets Open
January 1, 2022
12:30 a.m.
- 1100 and 1200 blocks of Pendleton St. reopens
- 1100 and 1200 blocks of College St. closed
2:00 a.m.
- 900 block of South Main St., from Pendleton St. to College St., reopens
For safety purposes, citizens should not congregate in the area.
Parking Schedule from City of Columbia Parking Services:
On-Street Meter Operations: Complimentary/NO ENFORCEMENT CITY WIDE: Saturday , January 1st
City Parking Deck Operations: Complimentary/GATES WILL BE RAISED AT ALL “GATED” CITY PARKING FACILITIES: 5 p.m. Thursday, December 30th until 3 a.m. Monday (late Sunday night), January 3rd .
Firework Safety from Columbia-Richland Fire Department:
A dazzling fireworks display is scheduled to ring in 2022 during the ‘Famously Hot New Years’ celebration in downtown Columbia Friday evening, December 31.
With the annual show expected to draw large crowds into the capital, the Columbia-Richland Fire Department wants to alert guests to avoid certain streets south of the State House.
Specifically, South Main Street between Pendleton Street and Devine Street will be off limits as the fireworks will be set off from this area. Parking will not be allowed in lots located off of South Main Street near Pendleton and College streets on Friday evening.
For optimal viewing of the fireworks all guests are encouraged to go to the north side of the State House and watch along Gervais Street and north along Main Street. Areas east of the State House past Sumter Street will also be good for viewing the show.
If you plan to use consumer fireworks during the New Year Holiday use EXTREME CAUTION. There is a greater risk of starting a fire or suffering a major injury if fireworks are used improperly.
- Always read and follow directions on each firework.
- Only use fireworks outdoors, away from homes, dry grass, and trees.
- Keep a bucket of water, a fire extinguisher or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
- Always have an adult present when shooting fireworks.
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place.
- Never re-ignite malfunctioning fireworks.
- Wear protective eye glasses and gloves.
- Never hold a lit firework item in your hand.
- Adults should always handle fireworks and not children.