Five Points Association celebrates a year of success and announces FPA Award winners

The Five Points Association (FPA) is proud to celebrate another year of remarkable achievements and community impact. At the Five Points Annual Meeting on December 12 at Boyd Innovation Center – powered by GrowCo, the organization reflected on its successes while recognizing the outstanding contributions of individuals and businesses with the FPA Awards.

A Year of Achievements

This past year, the Five Points Association spearheaded several initiatives that fostered community spirit, enhanced local business growth, and showcased the vibrant culture of the Five Points area. Highlights included:

• 2024 St. Pat’s in Five Points donated $67,100 to 40 local charity organizations, the largest amount in the festival’s 42-year history.
• JerryFest celebrated 10 Years in Five Points and welcomed the largest crowd in festival history which also included two stages full of musical performances, the “Little Hippie Corner” and free commemorative t-shirts.
• 2 Inaugural Events:
  • NEON Joy – Poised to be Five Points’ new annual celebration to kick off the holiday season, the night included a free laser light show, entertainment, extended shopping hours and specials.
  • Tour of Tea – An elevated journey of tea tasting, delightful bites and cultural exploration which celebrated the rich traditions and flavors of multiple AAPI (Asian American and Pacific Islander) countries.
• Five After Five – After a seven-year hiatus the concert series returned with four free concerts at the Five Points fountain
• Philosophy of Five Points – For the second year, the collaboration with Cola Love and the University of South Carolina Philosophy Department once again brought attendees together for a free evening of interactive and immersive art and exploring big questions as a community.
• 3rd Annual Paint the Town Garnet & Black – A collaboration event with the University of South Carolina to commemorate USC Homecoming.
• Nine new businesses openings, and five ribbon cuttings in the Five Points district.
• 2 Beautification Projects:
  • “Splash of Color” Mural by award winning artist, Shelby LeBlanc.
  • Robot Head “Fritz” by local artist, Clark Ellefson.
• Winner: Best Music Festival (Free Times Best of Columbia) – St. Pat’s in Five Points
• Silver Winner: Best Annual Event/Festival (Free Times Best of Columbia) – St. Pat’s in Five Points
• Winner: Best Local Festival (Best of Carolina) – St. Pat’s in Five Points
• Silver Winner: Best Annual Event/Festival (The State’s Best) – St. Pat’s in Five Points
• Runner-up: Best Shopping District (Columbia Metropolitan Magazine) – Five Points

Announcing the 2024 FPA Award Winners

The evening’s highlight was the announcement of the 2024 FPA Award winners. These awards honor individuals and businesses that have demonstrated exceptional dedication to the Five Points community:

Spirit of Five Points Award – Any individual who the association deems as an MVP of the Five Points district. Award may be presented to an employee, neighborhood resident, service provider or anyone the association identifies as having or making a positive impact on the neighborhood and its merchants. Recipient: Cola Love

FPA New Member of the Year – A new FPA merchant business who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Five Points Association through the giving of their time, talents, and furthering the goals, objectives of the association, and has made a positive impact in the community during their first year or two of business in the district. Recipient: The Skinhouse

FPA Philanthropist of the Year – Presented to a FPA merchant or employee who has demonstrated exceptional generosity through their financial support, volunteer time, and/or generosity of spirit and civic responsibility that sets a leadership example encouraging others to take philanthropic roles in our local and Five Points community. Recipient: Ruby Sunshine

FPA Member of the Year – Presented to an FPA merchant business who has demonstrated outstanding service to the Five Points Association through the giving of their time, talents, and furthering the goals and objectives of the association. Recipient: Ashley Lindler, A Little Happy

FPA Good Neighbor Award (FPA President’s Award) – Presented to an individual or merchant based upon the sole discretion and selection of the FPA Board of Director President. This award can be based on promotion of Five Points, spirit of cooperation amongst FPA businesses, enhancement, and improvement of appearance/traffic/parking conditions in the district, festivities, and any other matters of concern to the Five Points community. Recipient: Robert Anderson, City of Columbia Public Works Director

Additional honorees during the program included recognizing board members who rolled off for their years of dedicated service and contributions to the organization: Caitlin Bright, Sue Hamilton, Larry Lucas, Gene Massey, and Bob Thompson.

FPA Executive Director Heather McDonald stated, “Tonight is about celebrating the people and businesses who make Five Points extraordinary. Their efforts ensure our neighborhood remains a thriving hub of creativity, commerce, and camaraderie.”

Looking Ahead

Building on this year’s accomplishments, the Five Points Association has ambitious plans for the coming year. Projects in development include completion of the SCDOT road diet and beautification project, a district-wide security camera upgrade and expanded efforts in neighborhood beautification.

The Five Points Association also extends its gratitude to all sponsors, partners, and volunteers who have supported its mission over the past year.

 

About Five Points

As the sole advocate for the district’s businesses, the Five Points Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting and preserving the unique character of the Five Points district. Through events, initiatives, and partnerships, the FPA strives to support local businesses, foster cultural engagement, and enhance the vitality of Five Points.

Evident by over 100 years of history, the success of Five Points would not be possible without the reciprocating support between the neighboring businesses and residents, supporting staff, partners and companionship of the City of Columbia and Richland County.

While fostering these relationships, supporting the businesses, and continuously highlighting Five Points and its treasures, the Five Points Association and its Board of Directors continue the beautification, collaboration, and development efforts to empower growth, upholding the historic legacy of Columbia’s Original Village neighborhood.

To learn more about Five Points, please visit www.FivePointsColumbia.com.