COLUMBIA, S.C. — Finlay Park was buzzing with energy Friday night as the weekly Finlay Fridays concert series officially got underway in downtown Columbia.
Hundreds gathered in the park to enjoy warm late-February weather, live music and a festive community atmosphere. Attendees spread out across the lawn while children played, and families sampled offerings from several food trucks on site.
“The ambiance is absolutely amazing, the music is the bomb,” said Columbia resident Linda Brown.
The Reggie Sullivan Band headlined the evening, drawing residents from across the area. For some visitors, the event also served as their first introduction to the park.
“I was really surprised because I thought it was just going to be an ordinary park,” said parkgoer Harmony Keith. “But you can skate around, do scooters and go on the playground.”
Margaret Munn, another Columbia resident, said the event reflects growing momentum downtown.
“This is our first introduction to Finlay Park, and it really feels like there is such good energy in the city now because there are actually things happening,” Munn said. “It really is a phenomenal experience.”
Several attendees also noted the pleasant weather made the evening especially enjoyable following colder conditions earlier this month.
“Tonight is such a treat compared to the snowstorms that we had at the beginning of the month,” Munn added. “You can come out with just a shirt right after work and enjoy yourselves.”
Early reviews from attendees were overwhelmingly positive, with many saying they plan to return in the coming weeks.
“I usually go to Polo Road Park, but I think this is my new favorite park with the grass area and the swings and the grass slide,” Keith said.
Brown encouraged others not to miss future events.
“If you missed it this time, you need to make sure you get here next time because this is the place to be,” she said.
Finlay Fridays will continue for five more weeks, with a different band scheduled to perform each Friday. The Jon Rooks Band is set to take the stage next Friday, Feb. 27, at Finlay Park.