Quirky second-hand store Sid and Nancy’s will host its annual Hollaween Explosion celebration Friday at 10 p.m. at the New Brookland Tavern.
This year marks the third Hollaween Explosion at the alternative clothing store that buys, sells and trades clothes, shoes and other knick-knacks. There's going to be a costume contest, dance party and a few sets by local bands, as well as photo booth.
Employees at Sid and Nancy's took it upon themselves to continue the Hollaween Explosion after an annual Halloween party by another local business, for whom they were a sponsor, stopped hosting it.
Hollaween Explosion benefits a different cause every year. Past causes have included the Women’s Shelter and last year’s SC HIV Council. This year, all proceeds go towards Tumor-Schmumor, which was created to help Aaron Graves of Columbia-based band Those Lavender Whales battle brain cancer.
“People are going to party on Halloween anyways, so they should probably do it for a good cause,” said Bakari Lebby, a manager at Sid and Nancy’s.
Local Columbia bands The Restoration and Small Sanctions will perform at the pre-show, and the dance party will also feature DJs Alejandro Flores and Christian Barker, as well as Lebby, who DJs when he isn't managing at Sid and Nancy's.
“Halloween is a good time to try and get people together, especially if you can help someone out,” Lebby said.
Winners of the costume contest, a major component of the Hollaween Explosion, will be announced at midnight. In the past, the costumes have been one of the most entertaining parts of the evening, with judging categories including scariest, most creative and “most turnt.” Prizes available for winners include donations from Bohemian, Revente, Bluetile Skateshop, WUSC and other local shops.
“Pizza will be there,” Lebby said, alluding to the infamous man who dresses as a slice of pizza every year for Hollaween Explosion.
Tickets are available at both Sid and Nancy’s in Five Points and New Brookland Tavern. Tickets are $5 for those under 21 and $3 for those who are 21 or older.