Good Friday, and Easter, are upon us and spring is definitely in the air in West Columbia.

There is a lot to look forward to, so get outside and enjoy the best of your city. Some events are planned and some are part of the city’s natural beauty.

The First Friday on State Street is April 6. The State Street First Friday Art Crawl was put together by the locally owned shop and restaurant owners on State Street. It takes place the first Friday of every month (except January and July.) First Friday features a revolving lineup of art, music, food, and drink.

The 2018 CMC Spring Rhythm on the River Concert Series is every Saturday in April and May.

The fourteenth year of the music begins on April 7. The Spring Series shows are from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the West Columbia Riverwalk Amphitheater, Alexander Road and Meeting Streets, at the base of the Gervais Street Bridge.

The City of West Columbia’s Kinetic Derby Day is April 21.

Kinetic Derby Day is a new and exciting day of unique fun and adventure. It’s an elaborate sculpture parade followed by soapbox car racing and plenty of art, food and family fun to make it the most-anticipated event of 2018.

The City of West Columbia is also sponsoring Art on State in conjunction with the May State Street Art Crawl. The May 4, Art on State event with feature live music by Stillhouse and live art. Plessinger said the work of artist Christian Thee will be presented at Art on State in May.

In addition to the planned events, there is plenty of natural beauty in the neighborhoods, and on the streets, of the city. The West Columbia Beautification Foundation is doing its part to enhance the aesthetics around us.

“We’re busy planting trees,” said Bill Mooneyhan, a member of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation. “We have Taste on the River early in the year and the Tribute to Trees in the fall. Those are our big fundraisers. But it’s nice to see how the money we raise is used.”

Not only has the WCBF overseen the planting of indigenous flowers and tress at the off ramp of Klapman Boulevard onto Sunset, trees are being planted on Sunset.

“The beautification foundation’s plan is to plant hundreds of trees from Klapman Boulevard to I-26, all the way down Sunset,” said Mooneyhan.

While the West Columbia Beautification Foundation buys the trees for planting, in bulk. The West Columbia Public Works Department works with the beautification foundation planners to install the trees. It is the goal of city officials and the WCBF to improve the way West Columbia looks.

Jamie Hook, West Columbia Public Works Director, said his department has worked with Andy Cabe, botanical garden director at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

We’ve put in shrubs and trees,” said Hook. “In all we’ve planted about 400.”

He said he is glad to be working with the beautification foundation.

“It’s not a process that will be completed overnight,” said Mooneyhan. The effort to work toward making the city look better has been going on for years.

Former City Councilman Tommy Parler is one of the founding members of the WCBF. He was elected in 2005, and Parler is still a member of the organization. Since its establishment, the West Columbia Beautification Foundation’s projects from Sunset Boulevard to Triangle City have been initiated.

Another way to get out and enjoy the weater is the Easter Egg Hunt in the Park at Riverwalk Park. Iy’s hosted by City of West Columbia and the West Columbia Police Department. It is going on this Saturday and Sunday until with WCPD Officer Robin Rivers and Ranger Steve Metro.
Two dozen numbered eggs are hidden in the park every morning by 9 a.m.. On Saturdays, a “Golden Egg” will be hidden for an even bigger surprise. Return the numbered egg to the Guard Shack and claim your prize.
People of All Ages Can Play (Mainly children’s toys).
One Egg per Person per Day
Questions: Contact Officer Rivers at 803-794-0721 ext. *842
As spring comes, so does the the activity in West Columbia, accompanied by lots of natural scenery. So get outside, and enjoy all that West Columbia has to offer.