Taste on the River is one of the top social occasions of the year. It’s a benefit for the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

The 5th Annual Taste on the River, featuring the area’s best restaurants, is Tuesday, June 8, from 6-to-9 p.m., at Stone River in West Columbia.   To purchase tickets click on: bit.ly/TOTR2021

“We are anticipating a wonderful event. It’s always a lot of fun for everyone,” said Kathy Whetzel, WCBF Chairwoman. “We’re thrilled to be getting back out. Last year’s Taste on the River was in February. We moved the date this year as a precaution. But people are enthusiastic and ready to go and socialize.” 

This year’s event is in memory of Bill Mooneyhan, who passed away earlier this year. He was an active civic leader and member of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. He is also credited as one of the founders of Taste on the River. 

“This is Bill’s event,” said Whetzel. It’s his baby.” She said Taste on the River will include a special toast for Mooneyhan and an art presentation to his family to honor his work and community involvement. 

“The idea to host Taste on the River came when Bill won an event-date at Stone River in a charity golf tournament,” said Steve Cohen, a member of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. “He was so excited. It’s food for everybody. And Bill wanted the chance to show off all of the great local restaurants. And so many of the restaurants wanted to get involved in an event that allowed them to get out and meet with the community.

“Taste on the River was a great event from the first time we did it. This one will be great, too,” Cohen said. “Honoring Bill will make it extra special. A lot of people will be there to honor his memory.” 

Cohen also said it is important to get a ticket as soon as you can, because there is a capacity limit on the number that can attend. “It could be a sell-out,” Cohen said. 

The fourth Taste on the River in 2020 was a huge success and resulted in more than $11,000 in proceeds for the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

Contact West Columbia Events Coordinator Colleen Otte, with questions, at: [email protected]  

Restaurants Participating:

• Primal Gourmet Kitchen + Market
• Black Rooster
• True BBQ
• Brookland Banquet & Conference Center
• Cafe Strudel West Columbia
• Savage Craft Ale Works
• The Hideout in Weco
• Grecian Gardens Restaurant
• Faithful Foods
• Blue Marlin
• Buttercream Dreams
• Zesto of West Columbia
• BrickHouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co.
• Terra