Famously Hot New Year in Columbia expected to be virtual event due to COVID-19
Another iconic event is in peril because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
Columbia’s Famously Hot New Year will be changed by the rising number of COVID-19 cases in South Carolina, with organizers saying the event is expected to be only a virtual celebration.
“The FHNY board of directors has been working with staff for several months, assessing risks and opportunities for the event,” said Sam Johnson, the FHNY president and a member of the board. “They have tentatively determined that the safest approach to this year’s celebration is virtual.”
Specific details on how South Carolina’s Largest New Year’s Eve Party will be changed were not available, as Johnson said a final plan has not been set.
There was no word on how this could affect performances or the fireworks shows. Both have been staples of the free celebration that has been popular for the past nine years and regularly draws tens of thousands of revelers downtown.
“Although the concept of the event may shift, it will still be focused on bringing together South Carolinians in the 10th annual celebration of the New Year,” Johnson said.
Last year’s event was headlined by female rap pioneers Salt-N-Pepa. Other Famously Hot New Year’s headliners include En Vouge (2018), Elle King (2017), Trombone Shorty (2016), Lauryn Hill (2015), The O’Jays (2014), Kool and the Gang (2013), The Wallflowers (2012) and George Clinton (2011). Other acts to perform on the Famously Hot stage include Z.Z. Ward, Atlantic Starr and Biz Markie.
While Famously Hot New Year has not been canceled, many other iconic events in Columbia and the Midlands have been scrapped this year. The New Year’s celebration joins the South Carolina State Fair, Columbia Greek Fest, the Rosewood Crawfish Festival, Indie Grits film festival, Columbia’s annual St. Patrick’s Day festival in Five Points, Camden’s Carolina Cup steeplechase races and the Lexington Wine Walk among other notable events that have been canceled, altered, or held exclusively online because of the ongoing pandemic.
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This story was originally published August 6, 2020 at 3:07 PM with the headline "Famously Hot New Year in Columbia expected to be virtual event due to COVID-19."
