From fireworks to food, traditions are a part of the West Columbia New Year. Just as sure as 2021 is coming, local families have their rituals to ring it in. Some do it with a “bang” while others prefer a more culinary approach.

Regardless, there are lots of options, and put safety first, especially with fireworks.

“Be sure to use the fireworks as intended” said West Columbia Fire Chief Chris Smith. “And make sure the fireworks are age-appropriate for whoever is using them.”

Keep all fireworks away from combustible materials, Smith said, and beware of structures around you and keep sparks away from anything flammable, including dried leaves and grass.

And remember there is a fireworks ordinance in West Columbia.
Fireworks can only be discharged in the City of West Columbia between 9 a.m. on Thursday (Dec. 31) and 1:30 a.m. on Friday (Jan. 1.)

Another New Year’s tradition involves food.
Consuming collard greens and black eyed peas on New Year’s is a way to enrich oneself for the coming year.

Primal Gourmet at 725 Meeting St. in West Columbia is open on New Year’s Day.

“Our vegetables are local and fresh,” said Jennifer Boyd, general manager at Primal Gourmet.

She said the collards the restaurant will prepare for New Year’s could be picked the same-day they are sold.

“We have our collards delivered from Bradford Farms in Sumter,” Boyd said. Also on the New Year’s Day menu are black-eyed peas and a pork tenderloin. It’s all expertly prepared by the talented chefs at Primal Gourmet. Boyd said the restaurant is offering discounts, too, to start off the new year.

Martha Cook, owner of Compton’s Kitchen on 1118 B Avenue, said she is taking pre-orders for collards and black-eyed peas. But Compton’s is closed on New Year’s Day.

“We’ll get your order ready so all you have to do is heat it and eat it, on New Year’s Day,” said Cook.

Lizard’s Thicket, at 2234 Sunset Blvd. moves many plates of pork chops, collards from WP Rawl in Lexington County and black eyed peas on New Year’s day.

Lizard’s Thicket calls the meal a Southern staple that will bring good luck and wealth in the new year.

West Columbia is also a mecca for fine dining on New Year’s Eve.
Als’ Upstairs, at 304 Meeting St., offers “a romantic evening set against the skyline of Columbia.”

Al’s has New Year’s Eve packages, but a reservation is required. There is limited seating. Call Al’s at 803-794-7404.

Black Rooster is offering a four-course New Year’s Eve socially-distanced Dinner. A reservation is required. Call 803-724-2853 for reservations.

Terra is another possibility on New Year’s Eve.
For New Year’s Eve at Terra, a reservation is required. The popular restaurant is at 100 State Street in West Columbia, and also offers a spectacular view of the Columbia skyline.

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year at Terra. Reserve a spot by calling the restaurant at (803) 791-3443.

• West Columbia restaurant schedule – no reservation needed
• Palate at 116 State St. is open New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day
• Grecian Gardens at 2312 Sunset Blvd., is open New Year’s Eve, but closed Jan. 1
• Cafe Strudel on State Street will close at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. It’s closed New Year’s day.
• Nick’s House of Pizza, 1082 A Sunset Blvd., is open New Year’s Eve and closed Jan. 1
• Bricks and Stones Pizza at 3234 Augusta Road, is open New Year’s Eve and closed Jan. 1
• DeLucca’s Italian Grill and Ariana’s Restaurant on Sunset Blvd. will be closed New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day