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Honoring a Legacy: Former Columbia Parks Director Willie Morgan & Granddaughter Celebrated at Midstate Classic
Issue #360
In this What’s Up Columbia issue…
🗓 List of Upcoming Events
☀️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 45 & low of 22
📰 Honoring a Legacy: Former Columbia Parks Director Willie Morgan & Granddaughter Celebrated at Midstate Classic
📌 Saturday: The Golden Gallery Art Silent Auction & Reception to Benefit Boys & Girls Club of South Central TN
📌 Saturday: Cars at the CAB & Muletown Flea Pop-up
🎵 This Week’s Live Music
⛑ Looking For Ways to Help Victims of Hurricane Helene? Click Here
🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details!

Upcoming Local Events
🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!
Friday, February 21st
Mysterious Table For Valentine’s Day - Dinner Theatre - 6:00 PM
Watershed Public Theatre’s “Proof” - 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Saturday, February 22nd
Kiwanis Annual Yard Sale at Memorial Building - 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Llama Llama PJ Party at a’Muse’um Children’s Museum - 8:30 - 9:30 AM
Cars at the CAB & Muletown Flea Pop-up - 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM
C.I.T.Y. Youth Event at C1 Church - 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Columbia Farmers Market - 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Hidden Gem Farmers Market - 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Golden Gallery Art Silent Auction & Reception Benefiting Boys & Girls Club - 11:00 AM
2025 Mule Day Pageant - 7:00 PM
Watershed Public Theatre’s “Proof” - 7:00 - 9:30 PM
Nashville SC vs. New England Revolution at Geodis Park (Home Opener) - 7:30 PM
Sunday, February 23rd
Nashville Flea Market at The Fairgrounds - 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Watershed Public Theatre’s “Proof” - 3:00 - 5:30 PM
Monday, February 24th
Vet 2 Vet Breakfast Meet Up at Puckett’s - 7:00 - 9:00 AM
Tuesday, February 25th

Honoring a Legacy: Former Columbia Parks Director Willie Morgan & Granddaughter Celebrated at Midstate Classic

The City of Columbia is excited to honor the local Morgan family during this year’s Midstate Classic Collegiate Softball Tournament on March 18, 2025. Willie Morgan, former City of Columbia Parks & Recreation Director, will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, while his granddaughter, Saviya Morgan, a 2024 graduate of Columbia Central High School, will take the field as a standout player for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols in an NCAA matchup against Eastern Kentucky University.
Mayor Chaz Molder shared his pride in the Morgan family, stating, “Willie Morgan was a trailblazer in our community, not just in the Parks and Recreation Department for the City of Columbia which he served as Director, but also across the entire spectrum of the City of Columbia. He is a towering figure in many respects, not just his height, but in his presence, his demeanor and his contributions to his city. I can’t think of a better nod to Mr. Morgan than to throw the first pitch at the Mid-State Classic, where his highly touted granddaughter, one of the best ever softball players to ever play in Columbia, will be in the starting line-up for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. This is a nod to Mr. Morgan, to his family, and to everyone who believed in Saviya Morgan every step of the way.”
Willie Morgan, who dedicated 40 years to shaping Columbia’s parks and youth programs, will proudly watch as Saviya, ranked #10 in the Extra Elite 100 National Rankings, takes the field for the UT Lady Vols. Saviya, who holds multiple school records, including the state record for stolen bases (75), most runs scored in a season (66), and a career-high 222 hits, is a 2024 graduate of Columbia Central High School. Her achievements mirror the same commitment to excellence and community that her grandfather displayed through his work expanding Fairview Park, building new ball fields, and developing the Armory Recreation Center—all of which continue to positively impact Columbia’s youth.
The Midstate Classic, hosted by the City of Columbia at the Ridley Sports Complex, marks its tenth year celebrating both athletic achievement and community spirit. The tournament will feature three exciting matchups: the Columbia Central Lions vs. the Spring Hill Raiders at 10:00 AM, the Columbia State Lady Chargers vs. the Calhoun Community College Warhawks at 1:30 PM, and the UT Lady Vols vs. the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at 5:30 PM, with both teams coming off impressive 40-win seasons last year.
This year’s Midstate Classic offers a full day of competitive softball and historic moments, including the Morgan family’s spotlight on the field. Gates open at 7:30 AM, with general admission tickets available for $10, providing access to all three games. Complimentary ADA transportation will be available throughout the day. Tickets can be purchased online at ColumbiaTN.gov.
Join the City of Columbia and fans from across the state as we celebrate a legacy of athletic excellence and community pride at the Midstate Classic!
Saturday: The Golden Gallery Art Silent Auction & Reception to Benefit Boys & Girls Club of South Central TN

"The Golden Gallery" art auction will be held at the Columbia Factory on Feb. 22 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Small pictures will be for sale, as well as larger paintings and silent auction items provided by local artist and author Rosalind Golden Saline.
Saline is the author of "The Art of My Soul" and a self taught artist that uses oil, water color to create images that inspire her.
"I always had a vision of walking in the room and seeing all my art, and I get more joy in giving than receiving money. The joy is when I can make someone smile. I feel a gift given should be given away," Saline said.
Speakers, entertainment, music and representatives from the Boys and Girls Club will also be present.
All of the proceeds will go to the Boys & Girls Club of South Central Tennessee which includes Pulaski, Columbia, Lawrenceburg and Lewisburg.
Purchases aren’t required, but donations are appreciated.
For questions, please contact Rosalind Golden Saline at [email protected].
Saturday: Cars at the CAB & Muletown Flea Pop-up

Nashville VQR is hosting Cars at the CAB this Saturday, and we're going to fill the building and Columbia Arts Building campus with a fun day — indoor and out!
9am to 12pm | Cars at the CAB
- Pull up, park, eat, drink, shop, and connect!
- Lone-star/Tri-star BBQ by @bootstompinbbq
- Pre-loved, vintage, and handmade goods by Glover's Secondhand + Handmade and
NUVSN
- Craft coffee, drinks, and baked goods by Vida Nova Coffee Lounge
9am to 1pm | Muletown Flea, CAB Level 1 INDOORS
Handmade, vintage, and artisan goods from creative vendors and local small businesses.
FREE admission for all events! You can support events like these continuing by making a purchase from any of the businesses across the CAB campus. After you make a purchase, visit the Nashville VQR tent with your receipt for a raffle entry to win:
A free automotive photoshoot with Executed Shots OR - A free automotive detail by DC Auto Detail!
🎵 This Week’s Live Music
Friday, February 21st
Golden Soul Revue, Grinder's Switch, 6-8 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Eastern Dreamers, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
End of the Line (Allman Brothers Tribute), The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Smokin' Peas, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Rayla Ray, The Boondox, 8-11 PM
Saturday, February 22nd
We The Kingdom, Worldwide Stages (Night of Hope), 6-8 PM
Los San Patricios, McCreary's Irish Pub, 7-9 PM
Steve Dorff, The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
The Deltaz, Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Zone Status, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM
Boomerang, The Boondox, 8-11 PM
Sunday, February 23rd
Adeline Csontos, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 12:30-3:30 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6-7:30 PM
Jacob Frish, Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 4-7 PM
(Sponsor)
👇 Click the Links to Learn About our Local Business Sponsors! 👇
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