The WeCo River District Merchants Association held its it monthly meeting, Thursday at the Carolina Together headquarters at 803 Meeting St., West Columbia.

WeCo River District President Steve Cohen said he was impressed with the size of the group that attended. About 30 business owners were on hand. Cohen talked about the need for volunteers for the Cayce-West Columba Parade of Lights. It’s on Dec. 11.

Jennifer Boyd, WeCo River District Secretary emceed the meeting. She talked about the reemergence of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day on April 22, after it was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of COVID. She said the large number of people who come out for Kinetic Derby Day provides an opportunity for River District businesses to expand their market. The West Columbia Tree Lighting ceremony, the first week in December, was discussed, too.

Merchants also deemed last Friday’s Fall Back Fest on State Street, a success. It was well attended and shops were full.

Cohen noted that one of the purposes of the WeCo River District is to give business owners a voice toward city government, even if they do not live in West Columbia. He said West Columbia City Council listens.

Lainie Lewis, owner of State Street Trading Co. said it would be a good idea to ask if the lights that were put up on State Street for Fall Back Fest could be left up until the end of the year.

The Business Spotlight was The Carolina Law Group. Monty Desai and Hugh McAngus of veteran-owned Carolina Law Group. McAngus said the firm represents individuals and handles liability cases.