The hot June weather didn’t deter residents of the Eau Claire community from coming out to the 2nd Annual Ribs and Renaissance festival held at Eau Claire town square. Residents young and old enjoyed the artwork, games, and of course the food.

Mayor–elect Steve Benjamin attended the event with his family. He said, “Columbia has some great festivals and this one, even though it’s a rather new one, is still one of my favorites. Great music, arts and crafts, and really good food; its one my family and I have really come to enjoy.”

According to Benjamin, the Ribs and Renaissance festival highlights what he hopes to improve in Columbia.

“Our mission is all about improving the quality of life for people in this city. That means we have to be in touch with our culture, our history; we have to have the opportunity for fellowship and bringing people together. This festival highlights it.”

Along with the other attractions at the festival, there was also music for the crowd to enjoy. For event coordinator Yolanda Bell, being able to book Crowfield, a popular local band, was a major get for the young festival.

“Their music is original, and they are excellent. I saw them perform in the Vista about a year ago and ever since then they’ve been on my list for this event, and fortunately we were able to get them for this event.”

So far, the response that Bell has received from the residents of Eau Claire concerning the festival has been positive.

“So far the people love the art as well as the ribs. They love the arts aspect because they don’t have it anywhere else. We have a lot of festivals here, but what drew them to this is the art aspect. We’re hoping we hit a niche.”

Whether it’s the Renaissance, ribs, or the music that Mayor–elect Benjamin likes more, the festival atmosphere is something that he hopes take Columbia by storm.

“I would like to see more festivals and the ones that we have grow.”