In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Weather - Partly cloudy w/ High of 91, low of 69.

📰 Restoring Americana: Williamsport Shop Brings Classic Neon Signs Back to Life

🎨 That Darn Pineapple Creations Brings Columbia Together One Craft at a Time

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Restoring Americana: Williamsport Shop Brings Classic Neon Signs Back to Life

Liquid Fire Vintage Neon, a restoration shop tucked away on a Williamsport farm, has been quietly bringing classic signage back to life for the past decade. Owner Klint Griffin and his crew rescue weathered, bullet-scarred and faded pieces from around the country, repairing structural and electrical damage, re-bending glass, matching original colors and returning each sign to working order with materials and techniques true to the originals.

The shop’s work appears around Tennessee — from the Urban Cowboy Bar in Nashville to the Fox & Locke sign in Leipers Fork — and also shows up in private collections. Many restorations find homes in restaurants and bars; others end up in people’s living rooms, where the signs serve as nostalgic centerpieces. Griffin’s team estimates it has restored roughly 500 pieces to date.

One standout project was the West-Wind Motel sign, rescued from Chicago and recognizable from a scene in the movie The Blues Brothers. Restorations like that require hours of careful work and often involve remaking broken glass and tracing original paint schemes so the final piece looks and functions as it once did.

The recent relighting of the Last Chance Liquors sign on Dickerson Pike drew a crowd for its first illumination in years. After extensive labor — more than 100 man-hours invested into the refurbishment — the sign was reinstalled and switched on amid applause from neighbors and onlookers. The turnout highlighted how these signs connect communities to local history and evoke strong emotional ties to a bygone era.

Liquid Fire’s Facebook post about the Last Chance project captured the shop’s pride in the restoration work:

“I’ve been driving by this sign for many years wanting to save it and we were very fortunate to get the chance earlier this year. We’ve spent over a 100 man hours into its restoration. Saved some of the old glass and made new glass were needed, able to figure out Original colors and make it happen. Last Chance are a great client and had to desire to let it shine again and o’boy doesn’t it! Please drive by and take a look at it in the near future one evening and enjoy the beautiful of true Nashville Americana.”

If you want to see the craftsmanship up close, watch the video above for a look at some of Liquid Fire’s work. For many, the reborn signs are more than decoration — they’re a piece of local identity, lovingly repaired and set back on display for a new generation to enjoy.

That Darn Pineapple Creations Brings Columbia Together One Craft at a Time

That Darn Pineapple Creations is more than just a DIY studio—it’s a place where creativity and community come together, right here in Columbia. Whether you're crafting a custom wood sign, hand-stuffing a plush animal, or diving into a paint party with friends, this creative space offers something special for all ages.

Owned by Maury County native Amy Lindsey, That Darn Pineapple was born from an unexpected moment of inspiration during her recovery from an injury. What started as one painted pineapple turned into a full-blown creative movement—and now, it’s a hub for hands-on workshops, birthday parties, team-building events, and seasonal kids' camps.

The studio’s offerings go beyond your typical craft night. With guided experiences like faux stained glass, jewelry-making, and even slime classes, the focus is always on making memories just as much as making art. Their Build-a-Buddy activity is a favorite with kids, and their Magnetic Memories line features locally inspired photo magnets that celebrate Columbia and its charm.

The custom photo magnets have been a hit recently at events. Amy takes your favorite photos and turns them into a unique keepsake while you wait! Whether it’s a smiling family photo, a beloved pet, or a special vacation snapshot, these high-quality magnets are a fun and functional way to showcase what matters most. Perfect for gifts, party favors, or just brightening up your fridge, they help keep your favorite memories right where you can enjoy them.

Magnets start at only $5, with easy ordering at thatdarnpineapple.com. Local pickup is available, and shipping is offered nationwide. Don’t let your memories sit in your camera roll—turn them into something you’ll see and smile at every day!

What truly sets That Darn Pineapple Creations apart is its welcoming, step-by-step approach to crafting—perfect for anyone who’s ever said, “I’m not creative.” Amy and her team are passionate about creating joy through approachable projects and personal attention, helping each guest leave with something they're proud of.

You’ll also find That Darn Pineapple involved in the community, regularly partnering with schools, churches, and local organizations. From donating to fundraisers and visiting assisted living facilities to participating in events like 2nd Saturdays and A Very Maury Christmas, their heart for giving back shines through.

Want to join the fun or see what’s next? Visit the website or follow on Facebook and Instagram.

That Darn Pineapple Creations studio (1129 Trotwood Ave) is currently open by appointment or by scheduled workshops. Send a message here to select a date and time or to arrange a time for Amy to come to your next gathering or event!

Upcoming Local Events

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

Sunday, August 10th

• Estate Sale (Lynnville) - 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

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

• Nashville Sounds vs. Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp - 6:05 PM

Monday, August 11th

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

Tuesday, August 12th

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

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

• August Artists Meetup - 5:00 PM

• Chess Club at Maury County Public Library - 5:00 - 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 13th

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

Thursday, August 14th

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

• Video Game Open Play at Aquatics & Rec Center - 2:00 - 5:00 PM

More Events Coming Soon!

📌 Mark Your Calendars…

Aug 14 - 23: Tennessee State Fair (Lebanon)
Aug 22: Tennessee Titans First Pre-Season Home Game
Aug 28 - Sept 1: Maury County Fair & Expo 

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

🎵 Today’s Live Music

Sunday, August 10th 

The Jim Fox Trio, Amber Falls Winery, 1:00 - 5:00 PM
CJ Conklin, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 4:00 - 7:00 PM
Jay Hoppus, Puckett’s, 6:00 - 7:30 PM