In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Mix of clouds/sun, high of 90 & low of 71

📰 Operation Southern Slow Down Targets Speeders July 14–20 Across TN & Southeast

👉 TODAY: Duck River Outdoor Expo at Henry Horton State Park

📌 July 15-16: Junior Lifeguard Workshop

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 Today’s Live Music

👉 Your Guide to Summer Camps & Kids Activities in July! 

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

Operation Southern Slow Down Targets Speeders July 14–20 Across TN & Southeast

Drivers across Tennessee and the Southeast will see an increased police presence on the roads next week as law enforcement agencies launch Operation Southern Slow Down, a week-long initiative aimed at curbing speeding-related crashes.

Running from July 14 to July 20, this regional enforcement effort will involve officers from the Tennessee Highway Patrol, Tennessee Highway Safety Office, and multiple local agencies. They’ll be joining counterparts in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina, focusing patrols on both interstates and local roads.

This year’s campaign comes in response to a troubling trend: speeding-related fatalities are on the rise. According to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 11,400 people died in speeding-related crashes across the U.S. in 2022—a 25% increase from 2018. Within the five Southeastern states participating in this initiative, speeding killed 1,610 people in 2022, up from 1,410 deaths in 2018.

While interstates are often associated with high-speed driving, most speed-related fatalities in the region are actually happening on non-interstate roads. In 2022, 91% of speeding-related crashes in the five participating states occurred off the interstate—an increase from 88% in 2018.

With summer travel at its peak and millions expected to hit the road, officials are urging drivers to slow down and stay alert. Officers will focus their efforts on corridors with high crash rates in hopes of reducing fatalities during this high-risk travel period.

TODAY: Duck River Outdoor Expo at Henry Horton State Park

A must-attend FREE festival is happening this weekend. Henry Horton State Park is putting on the Duck River Outdoor Expo.

It's all about bringing people together to celebrate and protect North America's most biologically diverse freshwater river, the Duck River. Visit here to learn more.

Where: Henry Horton State Park

When: Sunday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Where: South Horton Trail System

Here are just a few of the activities going on:

Kid's Zone: Bring the little ones for inflatable water slides, bounce houses, and sports activities! The fun awaits from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday.

Brand New Greenway: Check out the stunning 1.5-mile greenway made of recycled tires that just opened! Perfect for wheelchairs, this accessible path invites everyone to enjoy the park.

Food Trucks: There will be food trucks set up around the festival offering delicious food and refreshing drinks.

The Hammer Drop: This race is a one-day Mountain Bike Race + Festival for all ages on Sunday. At time of publishing, the race has already started but you can come out to Henry Horton's Multisport Facility at the South Horton Trail System to hang out with other riders and enjoy the food trucks!

July 15-16: Junior Lifeguard Workshop

Dive into two exciting days of learning and fun—become a Junior Lifeguard! Designed for ages 11–13, this hands-on workshop teaches water safety skills, basic water rescues, and teamwork—all in a fun, supportive environment.

Participants will enjoy interactive water games, gain lifesaving knowledge, and take home some awesome goodies to remember their experience.

Whether they’re dreaming of being a future lifeguard or just want to have a sneak peek of how our lifeguards work, this is the perfect way to make a splash this summer!

Tuesday & Wednesday, July 15–16
10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Columbia Aquatics & Recreation Center

Free entry for ARC members! Not a member? No worries! You can join in the fun with a daily pass:

City Residents: $5
County Residents: $8
Outside County: $11

Slots are limited. SIGN UP HERE

Upcoming Local Events

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

Sunday, July 13th

• Duck River Outdoor Expo at Henry Horton State Park - 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM

• Singo Bingo at Grinder’s Switch - 2:00 - 3:00 PM

• Awaken Spring Hill Business Mixer - 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Monday, July 14th

• Vet 2 Vet Breakfast Meet Up at Puckett’s - 7:00 - 9:00 AM

Tuesday, July 15th

• Network Columbia Business Networking Meet Up at The Factory - 9:00 AM

• Stroller Workouts & Walks at Riverwalk Park - 9:00 - 10:00 AM

• Junior Lifeguard Workshop at Aquatics & Rec Center - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

• Hampshire Farmer's Market - 3:00 - 6:00 PM

• Lego Lab at Maury County Public Library - 4:30 - 5:30 PM

Wednesday, July 16th

• Vet2Vet Meet Up at McCreary’s - 5:30 - 7:00 PM

• Junior Lifeguard Workshop at Aquatics & Rec Center - 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Thursday, July 17th

• Connect Spring Hill at Viking Pizza - 9:00 - 10:00 AM 

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

July 26: The Awaken House 1 Year Birthday Party
July 26: 4th Annual Rebel Rouser Cruise-in
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, July 13th

Don Phillips, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
DNR, The Rebel Bar & Grill, 2:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM
Vince & Brett, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill 4:00 - 7:00 PM