There was a hint of winter in the air. The music played, artists painted on the street, and the people mingled in droves. That was the scene on State Street in West Columbia, Friday, at the Fall Back Fest.

All of the shops were open and customers filed in to browse and buy. The Meeting Street Artesian Market was open for the evening, too.

“I think it’s safe to say this is a successful event,” said West Columbia Mayor Tem Miles. He stopped by to talk to former West Columbia Mayor Bobby Horton, who came out to enjoy the evening. “It’s a bit chilly tonight,” Horton said,, “but it’s good to see so many people and it’s good to catch up with some I have not seen in a while.”

Tim James, CEO of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber, was on hand, as was Steve Cohen, president of the WeCo River District Merchants Association.

Going Commando was the first band that played to warm up the crowd. Tokyo Joe, a favorite of many, took the stage that was set up on State Street around 7:30 p.m.