Columbia and West Columbia Express Disappointment Over Gervais Street Bridge Dinner Cancellation

Columbia and West Columbia Respond to Gervais Street Bridge Dinner Cancellation

Columbia and West Columbia are buzzing with chatter after the recent announcement about the cancellation of the much-loved Gervais Street Bridge Dinner. This annual event, known for its scenic views and upscale dining experience, was slated for October 13. However, organizing nonprofit Carolina Together revealed that complications regarding permits and rising costs have led to this unforeseen decision.

The Event’s History

Since its inception in 2015, the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner has become a staple in the community, closing down the historic bridge for an unforgettable evening filled with fine dining and live music. In their announcement, Carolina Together stated, “Unfortunately, ongoing delays in obtaining necessary permits and approvals from various governmental bodies have created insurmountable challenges.” They also noted that inflation has made it challenging to deliver the high-quality experience attendees expect.

Permitting Confusion

Given the event’s unique location, permits from both Columbia and West Columbia were critical. A spokesperson from West Columbia was quick to clarify that the city had indeed issued the proper permits before the cancellation announcement. “The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner received the proper permitting from the City of West Columbia for the event prior to their announcement,” they noted, although specifics on the permit’s timeline were not readily available.

On the Columbia side, Harold Reaves, the special events coordinator, shared that the dinner applied for its special events permit on August 22 and received approval the very next day. Reaves further explained that they submitted a traffic detour plan and requested bridge closure to the S.C. Department of Transportation on September 3. Interestingly, the approval for the bridge closure was received the exact same day that the cancellation was announced. Reaves confidently stated, “Our staff did everything reasonably possible to assist them with getting the appropriate permits and approvals that were needed.”

Understanding the Decision

In an audio message, Carolina Together expressed how deeply saddened they were by the cancellation. “This was a decision that did not come lightly,” said Neil Boone, the director of marketing and communications. He revealed that ticket prices had already been announced, ranging from $148 for a single ticket to $1,675 for a VIP table of eight, which drew attention from many who were eager to attend.

But the dinner wasn’t just a feast for attendees; it was also a way to support local charities. The event had anticipated 11 beneficiaries for 2024. Despite being responsible for organizing this significant function, Carolina Together has faced challenges in meeting its admissions tax obligations over the past couple of years, leading to some concerns. However, the group assures that all outstanding issues have now been addressed.

A Community’s Reaction

The community is buzzing with mixed feelings of disappointment and understanding following the news. The Gervais Street Bridge Dinner isn’t just another event; it’s an emblematic gathering that represents togetherness, joy, and compassion within the Columbia and West Columbia communities. The dinner’s organizers were quick to thank the sponsors and the community for their continued support and understanding during these challenging times.

In their cancellation statement, they said, “We understand the disappointment this news may bring to our valued guests, sponsors, beneficiaries, and community members.” They remained hopeful for future opportunities to celebrate together and promised to keep everyone updated on developments.

What’s Next?

As the community reflects on this cancellation, many are already looking forward to the possibility of future events that Carolina Together has promised to keep the spirit of the Gervais Street Bridge Dinner alive. For now, though, everyone’s gathering around to share their stories and fond memories of this beloved event.

With a genuine commitment to bringing people together, Carolina Together is reminding us that while this year may not bring the celebration we anticipated, there’s always hope for beautiful gatherings in the seasons to come.