Columbia Gears Up for Holiday Celebration: “Be the Light” Event on December 21!
Columbia, get ready to light up your holiday spirit this weekend! The Ernest A. Finney Jr. Cultural Arts Center is pulling out all the stops for a fabulous event titled “Be the Light: A Celebration of Community for the Holidays.” Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 21, from noon to 4 p.m. and head on over to 1510 Laurens St. This celebration is totally free and open to everyone!
What’s in Store?
Wondering what you can look forward to? The festive gathering is set to feature an array of holiday treats and activities just perfect for families. Kids can dive into a selection of children’s books, while adults can enjoy mingling with special guests. But that’s not all! This event will also host an exciting giveaway of 20 smoked turkeys from the famous Railroad BBQ—what’s not to love?
Meet the Host
On the mic keeping the energy high will be the charismatic “MASTER SPLINTA,” formerly known as “FatRat Da Czar.” Splinta expressed his genuine excitement about hosting this holiday extravaganza. “As I get older, I love to attend and participate in events curated for the entire family, from grandparents to little ones,” he said, radiating with enthusiasm. “Not only am I honored to host the event, I’m even more proud to be working with an organization whose leadership’s values align so closely with mine.”
The Heart of the Community
The purpose of the Finney Center is to serve as a vital hub for the African American community, preserving its rich history while celebrating the vibrant culture of downtown Columbia. The center is dedicated to promoting art, music, visual art, dance, poetry, theater, and even culinary arts. Janet Parenti, the event coordinator, shared her excitement: “Everyone is welcome to join this celebration.”
Located at the edge of Historic Waverly, the Finney Center is a tribute to one of Columbia’s oldest and proudest neighborhoods. The mission of the event aligns closely with previous happenings like Hip-Hop Family Day, aiming to connect an intergenerational audience to celebrate the wisdom and joy of every member of the community.
Get Ready!
This family-friendly extravaganza is an excellent opportunity to cherish cherished connections and create lasting memories. So, gather your loved ones, including kids and grandparents, and come out for a day filled with joy, laughter, and community spirit. It’s the kind of event that brings everyone together and reminds us of the beautiful bonds we share, especially during this magical season.
As we gear up for this wonderful event, don’t forget that the weather on Saturday is expected to be quite mild, with a mix of clouds and sun early in the day. A high of 61°F is on the forecast, so dress comfortably and be prepared for a little patchy fog as it becomes more cloudy later on. It’ll be a perfect day for celebration!
So, Columbia, don’t miss out on being a part of this incredible community event! Bring your family, your friends, and let’s spread the light and joy together this holiday season. See you there!
