Columbia Seeking Student Leaders for 2026-27 Mayor's Youth Council

Issue #786

August 04, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌦️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Scattered thunderstorms w/ high of 86, low of 70

👉 Columbia Seeking Student Leaders for 2026-27 Mayor's Youth Council

🎡 Williamson County Fair Returns Aug. 7-15 With Nine Days of Family Fun 

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Columbia Seeking Student Leaders for 2026-27 Mayor's Youth Council

The City of Columbia is now accepting applications for the 2026–2027 Columbia Mayor's Youth Council (CMYC). Open to high school juniors and seniors throughout Maury County, including public, private, and homeschooled students, the program offers participants a unique opportunity to explore local government, build leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their community.

The Mayor's Youth Council provides students with a behind-the-scenes look at how elected officials and municipal departments serve the Columbia community. Participants will engage with all 12 City departments, tour municipal facilities including the Columbia Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works, and hear directly from City leaders about the services they provide. Throughout the program, students will also collaborate to plan a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community. These hands-on experiences encourage civic engagement while providing participants with a deeper understanding of local government and how it impacts their daily lives.

"Columbia is a city that values the ideas, energy, and leadership of our young people," said Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder. "The Mayor's Youth Council gives students the opportunity to engage directly with local government, build relationships with City leaders, and work together on projects that make a lasting difference in our community."

Students accepted into the program will meet throughout the school year at Columbia City Hall and various City facilities. During 2026, the Council will meet once a month, with meetings increasing to twice a month in 2027 to include Special Project planning sessions. Regular meetings will feature presentations from City departments and community leaders, while the additional planning sessions will give students dedicated time to collaborate on a community project designed to benefit the Columbia community.

"The Mayor's Youth Council helps prepare the next generation of community leaders," said City Manager Tony Massey. "Through hands-on experiences and community involvement, students gain a deeper understanding of local government while building a stronger connection to Columbia."

Applications will be accepted from August 3 through August 28, 2026. Applicants must submit a completed application, a photo ID, and a current high school transcript that includes their unweighted GPA. Selected participants will be notified by September 3, 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit here.

Williamson County Fair Returns Aug. 7-15 With Nine Days of Family Fun

The Williamson County Fair returns Friday, Aug. 7, kicking off nine days of rides, food, live entertainment, exhibits, competitions, and family fun just north of Maury County.

Now celebrating its 22nd year, the fair was revived in 2005 after local leaders recognized growing interest in agri-tourism and wanted to create an event that celebrated Williamson County's agricultural heritage while bringing the community together. Since then, it has grown into one of Tennessee's most recognized county fairs, earning multiple statewide honors from the Tennessee Association of Fairs, including being named the AAA Division State Champion Fair for the 2024 fair.

General admission is $14 for adults and $7 for children ages 6-12. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

The fair also offers several special admission days throughout the week:

  • Saturday, Aug. 8 - Government Employee Day. Government employees can receive free admission with a special advance ticket, and discounted ride specials will be available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

  • Sunday, Aug. 9 - Senior Day. Adults ages 55 and older receive free admission, with complimentary goodie bags for the first 500 seniors through the gates.

  • Monday, Aug. 10 - Pay It Forward Monday. Bring five canned goods per person (ages 6 and up) for free admission. Donations benefit GraceWorks.

  • Tuesday, Aug. 11 - School Spirit Night. Wear your elementary, middle school, high school, or college spirit shirt or hat for discounted admission - $10 for adults and $5 for children.

  • Wednesday, Aug. 12 - Wilson Bank Night featuring "#WilcoFair Bite Nite," where participating food vendors offer $3 sample portions of popular fair foods.

  • Thursday, Aug. 13 - Celebrate America 250 Night. Wear patriotic red, white, and blue attire for discounted admission - $10 for adults or two children for $10.

  • Saturday, Aug. 15 - Patriot Day. Active-duty and retired military members receive free admission with a military ID.

For a complete schedule of events, entertainment, ticket information, and additional details, visit the Williamson County Fair website.

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

Wednesday, August 5th

Thursday, August 6th

Friday, August 7th 

Saturday, August 8th 

Sunday, August 9th

👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, August 6
Todd Ciprian - Tito's, 6-9 PM

Friday, August 7
TBA - The Spot: Burgers & Beer, 5-8 PM
Nick Black - Buck & Board, 6-8 PM
First Fridays with Miles Victor Trio - Puckett's, 6:30-8 PM
Classic Vinyl 931 - Grinder's Switch, 7-9 PM
Live Music on the Square - Brother Maven - Puckett's, 8:30-10 PM

Saturday, August 8
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Trace Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Napier City Limits - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5-9 PM
Curated Writers Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30 PM
Brooklyn Ray - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Scotty Morton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30-10:30 PM

Sunday, August 9
The Sins - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

Want to get your business in What’s Up Columbia? Let’s talk