COLUMBIA, S.C. — Warm weather and big crowds helped bring extra energy to Five Points on Thursday night as the community celebrated the second annual Neon Joy event.

Organizers say the goal of the celebration is to bring people together early in the holiday season, long before the rush of December travel and year-end stress begins.

Nyjah Mitchell, events and marketing manager at Five Points, said the night is all about connection. “I want them to take community from this event because not only are they able to come out here and enjoy each other, but they’re able to come out here and to support their local acts,” Mitchell said.

Supporting local performers is at the heart of Neon Joy. The evening featured high school bands, youth dance groups and martial arts demonstrations from organizat

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