As the City of Columbia prepares for the annual Famously Hot New Year, South Carolina’s largest free New Year’s Eve celebration the Columbia Police Department would like to offer a few tips to help you stay safe in downtown tomorrow night.
- Act responsibly in your fun. Enjoy your time with friends and family in downtown while minding state law.
- Report suspicious activity
- Adhere to the clear bag policy at the event (information is below)
- Follow any directions from law enforcement
- Expect a strong police presence before, after and during the event
Event Information from the City of Columbia Public Relations Department:
WHERE: While the festival remains centered at the intersection of Main and Gervais Streets in front of the S.C. State House, the stage will be situated one block east at Gervais and Sumter Streets. The fireworks will sparkle above the S.C. State House at midnight.
WHEN: Tuesday, December 31, 2019, 6:30 p.m. – Wednesday, January 1, 2020, 12:30 a.m.
New This Year: Famously Hot New Year Mandatory Clear Bag Policy
To provide a safer, more enjoyable environment for all attendees, Famously Hot New Year is implementing a mandatory clear bag policy. This policy is similar to those implemented throughout Columbia, S.C. and the country, complying with a new level of security expected of large, heavily-attended events. The new policy will allow for a more efficient entry for FHNY attendees by limiting the size and type of bags that may be brought into the festival.
Approved Bags
• Clear plastic, vinyl or PVC bags that do not exceed 12″ x 6″ x 12″ — a logo no larger than 4.5″ x 3.4″ can be displayed on one side of a permissible clear bag
• One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag [Ziploc bag or similar]
• Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5″ x 6.5″ — approximately the size of a hand, with or without a handle or strap
• Medically necessary items [after proper inspection and tagging]
Prohibited Bags Include, but are not Limited to:
• Purses larger than a 4.5″ x 6.5″ clutch bag
• Briefcases
• Backpacks
• Fanny packs
• Diaper bags
• Cinch/Drawstring bags
• Luggage of any kind
• Computer bags
• Binocular cases
• Camera bags
All bags will be subject to search upon arrival, and any bags that exceed the permitted size will not be allowed in. Approved, clear bags are available at local and online retailers such as Todd & Moore, Walmart and Amazon. An inexpensive one-gallon Ziploc-style bag may also be used.
For more information on what not to bring, visit www.famouslyhotnewyear.com/faqs.