Columbia Kicks Off Its First Pimento Cheese Festival

News Summary

Columbia, SC, is set to host its inaugural South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival on March 29 at Saluda Shoals Park. This family-friendly event showcases various pimento cheese creations from local vendors, with live music and activities for all ages. Alongside, the city addresses safety concerns on Gervais Street through a road safety assessment project aimed at improving community safety. Mark your calendars for a fun-filled day of cheesy delights and community engagement!

Columbia, SC: A New Festival to Celebrate Pimento Cheese and Enhance Community Safety

Get ready, Columbia! The city is about to kick off its very first South Carolina Pimento Cheese Festival on March 29, and it’s shaping up to be a deliciously fun time for everyone. From 11 AM to 4 PM, Saluda Shoals Park will transform into a pimento cheese paradise, filled with mouthwatering flavors, lively entertainment, and plenty of activities for the entire family.

This exciting festival is brought to you by the dynamic duo, Kristin and Brian Cole, known for their delightful Columbia Food Tours and the popular Shrimp & Grits Fest. Fans of this beloved Southern staple will have a chance to savor the creamy goodness of pimento cheese like never before. Admission is completely free for all attendees, although there is a small parking fee of $5 per car at the event gate.

A Cheesy Delight Awaits!

For just $5, attendees can purchase tasting tickets that allow them to sample 6 unique pimento cheese creations from a variety of local restaurants and food trucks. Who could resist these cheesy delights? With 10 different food vendors showcasing their culinary magic, there’s bound to be something to tickle everyone’s taste buds!

But that’s not all! The Pimento Cheese Festival is not just about the food. Guests can enjoy live music throughout the day, browse more than 40 craft vendors, and engage in a range of fun activities including inflatables for the kids, a colorful wall for budding artists, a bubbly area, and classic yard games. It promises to be a true celebration of community and our beloved Southern cuisine.

On a Serious Note: Gervais Street Safety Assessment

road safety assessment project for Gervais Street, a route that has been deemed a high-crash area. This assessment covers Gervais Street from Gist Street near the Congaree River all the way to Millwood Avenue.

1,700 crashes, with at least 70 involving pedestrians. Clearly, the need for improvement is pressing.

Community Involvement is Key

$5 million, and thankfully, funding is secure through the federal Highway Safety Improvement Program. Residents in the area are encouraged to lend their input on the assessment until April 10, making this an important opportunity for community voices to be heard.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Additional Resources

• Cola Daily: Pimento Cheese Festival
• WLTX: Columbia Weekend Events
• Post and Courier: Gervais Street Project
• The State: Gervais Street Changes
• The State: Local Crime News
• Wikipedia: Pimento Cheese
• Google Search: Columbia SC Pimento Cheese Festival
• Google Scholar: Road Safety Assessments
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
• Google News: Gervais Street Columbia SC

Author: HERE Lexington