Free Train Rides For All at Maury County Park This Week!

Issue #072

29 Apr

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

⛅️ Columbia Weather - Partly cloudy with a high of 77

🚂 Free Train Rides For All at Maury County Park This Week!

🏰 The Tennessee Renaissance Festival Opens May 4th

📚 Storytime at Needle & Grain Kids with Mayor Chaz Molder

📌 Columbia’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them?

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

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, April 30th

Wednesday, May 1st

Thursday, May 2nd

Friday, May 3rd

Saturday, May 4th

Sunday, May 5th

Tuesday, May 7th

Friday, May 10th

Saturday, May 11th

Free Train Rides For All at Maury County Park This Week!

If you’ve ever wanted to see the miniature trains run on the track that winds through Maury County Park, now’s your chance!

For over 50 years, the Mid-South Live Steamers have been hosting rides on their 1/8 scale trains. Rides are 100% free with no tickets needed.

Fun Facts:

  • There is 14,500 Feet of 7 1/2" track with grades that reach 3.5%

  • The engines weigh anywhere from 100 to 2000 pounds, and can pull from one to 50+ people, depending on size.

  • Some engines can cost almost $50,000 while others only a few thousand.

  • In almost all cases, these trains operate just like real locomotives. They are quite powerful and sound like what they are: a miniature version of the real thing.

  • There are two meets every year, spring and fall. The next meet will be Sept. 24-28, 2024

  • The Mid-South Live Steamers is a 501(c)(3) tax exempt organization and is supported by member dues, member donations, and donations from the public.

The wait time at the passenger station is largely dependent on weather and day of the week. The shortest wait times are on Thursday and Friday of the public meets, especially when the station opens at 10 AM. The average wait time on these days can range from none to one hour, depending on crowd size. Saturdays are the busiest day, with lines reaching over 300 passengers at times. The average wait time on a Saturday is one to two hours, depending on crowd size.

Public Ride Schedule
05/02/2024 - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
05/03/2024 - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM
05/04/2024 - 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

The release waiver depot and waiting line will close at 3:30 PM each day.

Due to safety concerns, pregnant women or persons over 350 pounds are not permitted to ride trains. Children 18 months and younger must be secured to the front of an adult in a baby carrier, sling or wrap.

During inclement weather, passenger trains are not able to run. All passenger trains will stop operations and will not resume until the weather has passed and a track inspection can be completed.

Find more information on the Mid-South Live Steamers website here and RSVP on the Facebook event here.

The Tennessee Renaissance Festival Opens May 4th

Have you ever noticed the medieval castle when driving down 840? That’s Castle Gwynn, home to the Tennessee Renaissance Festival. An event that’s fun for the whole family!

From the website… Delight in the streets of Covington Glen, our outdoor renaissance market place, as you shop our talented artisans’ exceptional wares. Immerse yourself in song, laughter, and amazement as jesters, minstrels, jugglers, and magicians demonstrate their unique skills. Listen to the tall tales of pirates and prepare to watch the royal joust. After you join the Queen’s Court and tour the outside Castle Gwynn Grounds, you can feast on the variety of flavors, aromas and tastes from merchants and vendors. Test your mettle at games of skill and enjoy other activities guaranteed to satisfy all.

The 2024 Tennessee Renaissance Festival will be on May 4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th, 19th, 25th, 26th, 27th.

The festival’s hours of operation are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Online ticket purchasing is strongly advised as on site tickets will be severely limited.

Admission includes parking. Children ages 2 and under enter for free.

Storytime at Needle & Grain Kids with Mayor Chaz Molder

Each month, Needle & Grain Kids invites different community members to read a book for storytime at their shop. This Wednesday, the story is High Five by Adam Rubin, read by Mayor Chaz Molder! There’s also a free craft included. When it’s done, stay to shop and make new friends!

Columbia’s Best Kept Secrets: Is Your Business One of Them? 

We ❤️ love local businesses!

We know our community is brimming with businesses that have fascinating stories and big hearts. If you're a local business owner making waves, crafting unique experiences, or simply putting a smile on our faces, we want to chat with you! "What’s Up Columbia!" is eager to shine a light on the unsung heroes of our town. Let's collaborate and let the community know what makes your business special. Send us a message, and let's celebrate the spirit of Columbia together!

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