Curious to bring in the year 2012 differently, I decided not to stay in Atlanta for the annual Peach Drop and ventured next door to Columbia, South Carolina. On this year Columbia made a point to open the flood gates with a festive block party to rival all New Year celebrations in the Southeast. The bash which took place on Main Street in the heart of Columbia included beer, wine, and champagne vendors alike with the Grey Goose Lounge serving as the VIP spot of the night. The ESPN Zone even made an appearance to the party allowing college football bowl game fanatics to never miss a snap while still continuing to party the night away. Columbia made a statement this year with its signature Palmetto Tree and Crescent Moon display during the midnight countdown. Music from regional acts like Pinna, who opened the musical carousing followed by Josh Roberts and The Hinges kept the revelers going until the musical highlight of the night hit the stage. Headlining all musical acts was none other than Kannapolis, North Carolina’s own Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, George Clinton and the Parliament Funkadelic.
Upon arrival in downtown Columbia, after finally finding parking, I was dazed to witness the mounting anticipation in the streets for George Clinton’s performance. With WIS News 10 on hand reporting the action from street level as it took place, the party was off and running in full force with a Resolution board erected for all those willing to share in their New Year plans. Around every corner groups of partiers huddled together not only to battle the reserved chill in the air, but also to make grand attempts to sing their renditions of some of Parliaments classic and ground breaking tunes. I was stunned to witness some guests underdressed for a night outdoor block party with temperatures dropping swiftly, yet then again there’s always someone wanting to be seen.
As soon as Parliament hit the stage they didn’t disappoint the fans in the least. George Clinton on stage performed with ease demonstrating why he’s one of the greats of his time plus further demonstrating how far music has fallen considering the stuff played on radio stations today. By the time midnight arrived champagne corks discharged in the air displayed a menagerie of flying mastery, delayed numbers from the midnight countdown were yelled out and Auld Lang Syne (Traditional New Year Song) was erupting from the mouths of multiple celebrators. With fireworks a blaze and couples sharing their initial 2012 kiss; Columbia, South Carolina scored big with this celebration and only gives reason to assume what they (Columbia) will do this up coming year to rival this celebration. Whatever it is my interests are peeked and I may again have to be in attendance.
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