10th Annual Taste on the River Raises Funds for West Columbia Beautification Foundation Projects

The 10th Annual West Columbia Beautification Foundation Taste on the River was an evening spent celebrating the Midlands' culinary scene and supported ongoing beautification efforts in West Columbia. Held on Thursday, June 11, 2026, at Stone River, the event drew hundreds of regional guests and raised $48,391.70, which will help enhance public spaces in West Columbia.

“It is so amazing to see the response from our community each year in support of our efforts to improve our City through beautification. Your support is what makes us successful and has grown our event year after year. Once again, we sold out and had a wonderful night of amazing food and delightful auction items provided by individuals who are passionate about improving our city. We look forward to next year, and thanks again to everyone!” said Kathy Whetzel, chairperson of the West Columbia Beautification Foundation.

Co-Chairperson Lainie Lewis added, “This year’s Taste on the River was our best yet! A big thank you to our sponsors and local restaurants for making this event such a success. Everyone had a great time with delicious food, dancing, and good company.”

Special thanks to the talented chefs and generous sponsors who made this event possible. For additional pictures of the event, visit the Foundation’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1311441251119736&type=3.

Participating Restaurants:

• Black Rooster

• Blue Marlin

• Breads and Such

• Brickhouse Gourmet Coffee & Tea Co.

• Brookland Banquet & Conference Center

• Cafe Strudel

• Crave

• Freshe Poke

• Handels Homemade Ice Cream

• Hites BBQ
  The Hollow

• Ikie Lu Record Club

• Nick's House of Pizza

• Signature Catering

Brookland Sponsor:

• Gregory Electric

Platinum Sponsors:

• By Design

• Something Borrowed

• Irmo Arbor Day

• Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community

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

• B106.7

For more information about the West Columbia Beautification Foundation or to get involved, visit www.beautifywestcolumbia.org or contact Justin Wise at jwise@westcolumbiasc.gov.

Stay tuned for more information on the upcoming 50/50 Reverse Raffle in October.