There are some big changes coming to West Columbia’s Rhythm on the River Concert Series in the next 12 months. And there is a plan for a St. Patrick’s Day party in 2020.

“We plan to offer a St. Patrick’s Day option in the spring of 2020,” said Richard Skipper, executive director of the Greater Cayce-West Columbia Chamber of Commerce.

Skipper acknowledged the success of the St. Pat’s in Five Points festival in Columbia that draws thousands for a day of bands, but he said the chamber wants to hold a different event in West Columbia.

“The Five Points Association does a great job of creating a large St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere,” said Skipper. “But in 2020 West Columbia will have a an event with a more family-friendly atmosphere. We plan to have rides, bouncy houses. And six hours of bands. It’s just another option. It’s going to be free in a smaller, lower-key setting.”

A St. Patrick’s Day event is not the only thing coming. The Fall Rhythm on the River Concert series in 2019 begins on Friday Sept. 27, and will be extended by one week throughout October.

The fall schedule will include five shows instead of the customary four. The concerts are from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, West Columbia.

The first concert is an alcohol-free event and will feature national recording artist Rob Crosby.  “It will fill a void in the community for a group of people who are not usually catered to,” said Skipper.

He said DAODAS (S.C. Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services) will sponsor the alcohol-free concert. With DAODAS support, it allows the chamber the resources to bring in a performer of Crosby’s status. The very popular group, Sourwood Honey will also play that show.  In addition to the music, Skipper said more than 50 vendors in the substance abuse industry will be on-site.

“Some members of the West Columbia City Council are extremely excited about an alcohol-free event said Skipper. “It’s a good way for the chamber to be another resource for our community.”

Skipper also said the spring schedule for Rhythm on the River 2020 will begin on the day of  the St. Patrick’s Day celebration and end April 25, coinciding with the Second Annual West of the River Weekend.  That weekend includes the Kinetic Derby Day in West Columbia and the Soiree on State in Cayce.

And, Skipper said, the Spring Rhythm on the River Concert Series will include seven shows instead of eight, because the fall series will have five shows, instead of four.