Five Points shines: Fpa celebrates community, impact, and 2025 award winners.

The Five Points Association (FPA) rang in the season and celebrated a year of community impact during its Holiday Party and Annual Meeting, held Thursday, December 11, at Ruby Sunshine in the heart of the Five Points district. The evening brought together merchants, partners, and community leaders to reflect on a successful year and honor those who continue to shape the spirit of Five Points.

A Year of Progress and Momentum

In 2025, the Five Points Association advanced its mission through strategic improvements, expanded programming, and strong partnerships that enhanced the vitality of the district. Highlights of the year include:

• St. Pat’s in Five Points continued its legacy as one of the Southeast’s most iconic festivals, supporting local charities while earning multiple regional “Best Festival” honors.
• NEON Joy, now in its second year, experienced significant growth and further established itself as a signature holiday celebration, bringing hundreds to Five Points for a free laser light show, live entertainment, extended shopping hours, and festive community programming.
• Philosophy of Five Points, in partnership with Cola Love and the University of South Carolina Philosophy Department, returned for another successful year of immersive art and thought-provoking community conversation.
• The long-anticipated SCDOT Road Diet Project was completed in 2025, improving safety, traffic flow, and walkability throughout the district.
• Two new gateway beautification efforts were completed, with additional projects planned for 2026.
• FPA expanded its on-the-ground impact by welcoming a new Beautification Manager, a new Events & Marketing Manager, and growing its Clean & Safe team to four staff members.
• Multiple new businesses opened in Five Points, reinforcing the district’s continued appeal as a hub for local entrepreneurship.

Announcing the 2025 FPA Award Winners

A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the 2025 FPA Awards, recognizing those whose leadership, generosity, and commitment exemplify the spirit of Five Points:

2025 Spirit of Five Points Award
Presented to an individual deemed an MVP of the Five Points district.
Recipient: Lee Porter, St. Pat’s in Five Points Committee
Lee’s immeasurable wisdom, unwavering love for the St. Pat’s in Five Points Festival, and leadership of veteran volunteers have made him an irreplaceable part of the festival’s history and the heart of the community.

2025 Community Partner of the Year
Presented to a partner demonstrating exceptional investment in the Five Points community.
Recipient: The World Famous Kudzu Queens
Since 2004, the Kudzu Queens have brought unmatched energy, joy, and generosity to the St. Pat’s Parade as its iconic caboose, while raising funds for women’s charities and championing Five Points year after year.

2025 FPA Good Neighbor Award (President’s Award)
Presented at the discretion of the FPA President for extraordinary cooperation and service to the district.
Recipient: Major Paul Blendowski, Columbia Police Department
Recently promoted to Major, Blendowski was recognized for his leadership, collaboration, and steadfast support of Five Points helping enhance safety, accessibility, and partnership throughout the district.

2025 FPA Philanthropist of the Year

Presented to a merchant or employee demonstrating exceptional generosity and civic leadership.
Recipient: Revente Luxury Resale | Sid & Nancy
Through year-round giving, community partnerships, and hands-on support of local causes, Revente Luxury Resale and Sid & Nancy lead with heart and action, consistently uplifting the Five Points community and those it serves.

2025 FPA New Member of the Year

Presented to a new FPA merchant demonstrating outstanding service and impact.
Recipient: Break Point Cola
Since opening in Five Points in 2023, Break Point Cola has shown unwavering commitment through event sponsorships, hosting district programs, and active leadership making an immediate and lasting impact on the community.

2025 FPA Member of the Year
Presented to an FPA merchant business demonstrating outstanding service through time, talent, and advocacy.
Recipient: CJ’s of Five Points
CJ’s consistently sponsors, participates in, and supports every district event all while promoting Five Points daily, assisting with setup, and embodying what it means to be a true community partner.

FPA Executive Director Heather McDonald shared, “This year’s award recipients truly represent the heart and soul of Five Points. Their passion, generosity, and commitment remind us that this district thrives because of the people who show up, give back, and believe this community.”

Looking Ahead

As FPA looks toward 2026, priorities include continued beautification efforts, enhanced gateway improvements, expanded district programming, and ongoing investments in safety and cleanliness to ensure Five Points remains a welcoming, vibrant destination for all.

The Five Points Association extends its sincere thanks to its merchants, board members, partners, sponsors, volunteers, and neighbors whose support makes this work possible.

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.