Join S.C. for Famously Hot New Year, Saturday, Dec. 31 with Trombone Shorty; Sister Hazel

COLUMBIA, S.C. - Dec. 26, 2016 - PRLog -- Famously Hot New Year – South Carolina's free party of the year – takes place this Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, from 6:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. next to the S.C. State House at Main and Gervais in downtown Columbia, S.C., the New Southern Hot Spot. In its sixth year, Famously Hot New Year (#FHNY) encompasses a fun, festival atmosphere with a full-length concert by New Orleans musical royalty, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, along with jangle-pop stars Sister Hazel; a midnight countdown; the biggest NYE fireworks display in the Carolinas; easy and affordable transportation options; food trucks and a "Comfort Zone" seating area; and beer, wine & bubbly bars.

FAQs for Famously Hot New Year

Q. How much does it cost?

A. Admission is free for all ages.

Q. Can I bring a bag?

A. Leave bags at home to get through entry gates more quickly! All bags will be checked by hand. Clear bags are encouraged (but not required) for those who must bring bags.

Q. Are cameras allowed at the event?

No flash photography, video or audio recordings are permitted during the live, on-stage performances at Famously Hot New Year. During the street party, however, photography and social interaction is encouraged! Facebook, tweet and Instagram your photos with hashtag #FHNY.

Event Footprint and Clear Bag/No Bag Policy

For 2016, event organizers have retooled the event footprint of Famously Hot New Year, moving the entertainment stage one block to the east from the original location of Main and Gervais. The new stage location will be on Gervais St., backing up to Sumter St., with the stage facing west toward the river. Sumter Street itself will remain open throughout the event. Because Gervais Street is so much wider, the new stage location increases visibility and improves concert acoustics for audience members, creating more space and comfort for guests.

The midnight fireworks show will remain above the picturesque S.C. State House.

All bags will be subject to security screening. Therefore, guests are encouraged to leave bags at home or use clear, see-through bags to expedite entry at the gates.

Transportation

The COMET

FHNY urges locals to utilize the affordable, clean and safe transportation system of The COMET for just $3 flat, with unlimited rides to and from FHNY via two options: visiting a local bus stop and hopping on one of 14 routes that run across the Midlands, or driving to one of four easy park-and-ride locations, from Harbison to Trenholm Plaza. Buses will run across the Midlands beginning at 6:00 p.m. December 31, with the last pickup from FHNY at Sumter and Lady Streets at 1:30 a.m. the night of the event.

Alert Cab Discounts

Those who need a safe ride home can take an Alert Cab, in which the first $10 of each taxi cab fare is complimentary, thanks to sponsors KW Beverage and Budweiser. Guests can catch an Alert Cab on Lady St., between Main and Sumter Streets.

Parking

Eight downtown Columbia parking garages will be free as of 4:00 p.m. on FHNY, but parking will be limited due to what is expected to be high demand. Guests who take a safe ride home via The COMET or Alert Cab can pick up their vehicles the following day. Guests who drive to FHNY are encouraged to note street closures and openings in downtown Columbia, S.C.

Where to Dine, Drink, Stay and Shop

Famously Hot New Year encourages the public to support local businesses, restaurants and hotels that are offering special deals and VIP experiences/pre-parties for New Year's Eve on Main Street and in other close-by hospitality districts.

Where to Visit During the Street Party

·       Enter through the two entry gates: Main at Lady and on Gervais at Assembly

·       Hands-on public art projects by local artist Karl Larsen, sponsored by Crescent Construction, at the corner of Main and Gervais

·        "Comfort Zone" seated space to enjoy food and drink from vendors with street buskers and entertainers, at the corner of Main and Gervais Streets

·       Concert stage at Gervais and Sumter Streets, 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.


FHNY Celebration Schedule

6:30 p.m. | Concert gates open

7:00 p.m.—7:30 p.m. | Mike Stone & the Kritikal Band

7:50 p.m.—8:45 p.m. | Capital City Playboys

9:15 p.m.—10:15 p.m. | Sister Hazel

10:45 p.m.—11:55 p.m. | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue

11:55 p.m.—12:10 a.m. | Midnight festivities & fireworks

12:15—12:30 a.m. | Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue finale and dancing

12:30 a.m. | Beer, wine and champagne sales end

1:00 a.m. | Celebration ends

Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, the funk/rock/jazz/hip-hop/multi-piece brass band known internationally as New Orleans musical royalty, will headline Famously Hot New Year's free, full-length outdoor concert, directly supported by popular folk rock/jangle pop/classic Southern rock band Sister Hazel, known for 90s anthem "All for You." Local rockabilly band Capital City Playboys, and R&B/soul group Mike Stone and the Kritikal Band will open the free concert.

Guests can plan their #FHNY weekend at www.famouslyhotnewyear.com.