The 10th Annual Taste on the River is Thursday, June 11, from 5:30 until 9 p.m. It’s a can’t-miss unforgettable evening of indulgence featuring the culinary talent of the best chefs in the Midlands at Stone River, 121 Alexander Road, West Columbia.

“We have a great restaurant line up,” said Kathy Whetzel, Chairwoman of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. “The food is always great, and there are a lot of unique dishes from some very creative food connoisseurs. You may sample quiche, pasta alfredo, Greek salad, shrimp and grits, bar-b-que. There has even been fried chicken, beautiful pastries, cake and cookies. The food is as abundant as it is extremely delicious. I enjoy the evening fully, everything about it. I look forward to Taste on the River every year. It’s my favorite event to come to, to enjoy great food and see all your friends.”

Taste on the River also includes an open bar and a silent auction.

Last year, close to $40,000 was raised via Taste on the River. And those funds are put to use. 

“The funds we raise go to enhance Highway 1 or Augusta Road as many know it,” Kathy said. “We expect  Taste on the River to be even bigger and better.

She also said the WCBF is working on beautifying a section of Meeting Street, close to 9th Street. 

Below is a list of the local restaurants and rising culinary stars, offering  mouth watering creations for Taste on the River.
Participating Restaurants Include:

• Black Rooster
• Blue Marlin
• Breads and Such
• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co.
• Brookland Banquet & Conference Center
• Cafe Strudel
• Crave
• Freshe Poke
• Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream
• Hite’s BBQ
• The Hollow
• Ikie Lu Record Club
• Nick’s House of Pizza
• Signature Catering

How You Can Get Involved:

• Purchase Tickets: Secure your spot today! https://bit.ly/TOTR2026
• Donate a Silent Auction Item: Help raise funds for more beautification projects.
• Become a Sponsor: Showcase your business while supporting a great cause.

For more details, contact Justin Wise at [email protected].

All proceeds benefit the West Columbia Beautification Foundation!

A Huge Thank You to Our Generous Sponsors:
Brookland Sponsor:

• Gregory Electric

Platinum Sponsors:

• By Design
• Something Borrowed
• Irmo Arbor Day
• Still Hopes

Gold Sponsors:

• Stone River
• Safety for Sarah Foundation
• West Point Coins
• Whetzel’s Automotive
• Capital City Communications
• House of Raeford
• Beckett Financial Group
• Border States
• Carolina Tap & Bore, Inc
• O.B. One Communications

Don’t miss out—join us for an evening of exquisite flavors, fantastic company, and community pride!