The 8th Annual West Columbia Beautification Foundation Taste on the River, and the silent auction, is  from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Tuesday, June 11, at Stone River in West Columbia. 

“When you buy a ticket to Taste on the River, you’re helping to beautify West Columba,” said Kathy Whetzel, who chairs the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. And there’s more. 

“It’s always  a wonderful event and a lively evening where a lot of friends see each other and many new friends are made,” she said.  “And there is no better place to get a sampling of the best local restaurants. It’s an extraordinary culinary experience that only comes around once a year. I encourage everyone to purchase tickets today. Taste on the river has become a tradition, and last year we sold out.” Click here to purchase tickets. 

Whetzel said there are several restaurants that will be at Taste on the River for the first time this year. A list of all participating restaurants is below. Whetzel also talked about the work of the WCBF. 

“The US 1 Corridor, Augusta Highway, is the number one area of West Columbia we’re working to beautify right now,” Whetzel said. “We’ve put in lots of shrubs and trees. We’re making progress one section at a time. In the fall we expect to be working on projects in Triangle City.”

Whetzel said the WCBF depends solely on donations and proceeds from events like Taste on the River. She also said an effort was made to keep the price at the same level as last year, despite rising costs.  

Restaurants are looking forward to Taste on the River, too. Danny Higman is the assistant manager at Black Rooster, located just across the street from Stone River. 

“We’re still forming our menu for Taste on the River,” he said, “but getting a chance to meet our clientele and talk to them is such a great experience.” 

Tickets for the event are $100 per person for Taste on the River and the silent auction.  It is an exclusive opportunity to bid on two Gervais Street Bridge Dinner tickets, unlimited tastings from renowned restaurants, and an open bar. The event is for people 21 years of age and up.

The impressive lineup of participating restaurants includes some of the most beloved culinary destinations as well as new rockstars in the industry. Guests will enjoy the culinary delights from the following establishments:

• Black Rooster
• Cafe Strudel
• SakiTumi
• The Dragon Room
• Blue Marlin
• Hite’s BBQ
• The Hollow
• Signature Catering
• Prohibition
• Nick’s House of Pizza
• Brickhouse Coffee & Tea Co.
• The Cake House Casa de Pastel
• Always Original Bakery

Purchase Tickets: https://bit.ly/2024TOTR

Facebook event link: https://www.facebook.com/events/424213106961160/

For more information, visit www.beautifywestcolumbia.org or contact Brittany Raven at [email protected].

Sponsorships available. All proceeds benefit the West Columbia Beautification Foundation’s efforts. Your donations are tax-deductible. Donation forms are on the website above.

Below is a list of sponsors:

~Brookland~

• Irmo Arbor Day Inc.

~Platinum~

• By Design
• Something Borrowed

~Gold~

• O.B. ONE Communications
• West Point Coins
• Whetzel’s Automotive
• Stone River
• House of Raeford
• Safety For Sarah
• Border States
• Gregory Electric
• Southern Custom Doors
• Lake Murray DJ Service
• Midlands Media Group
• Moore Bradley Myers Law Firm