Columbia Expands Outdoor Recreation with New Paddle Craft Launch Sites

Issue #563

September 21, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌥️ Columbia’s Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ High of 90, low of 68

🛶 Columbia Expands Outdoor Recreation with New Paddle Craft Launch Sites

🕯️ Community to Gather on the Square Tonight for Candlelight Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk

📌 Digital Defense Luncheon: Practical Strategies to Protect Your Business

🗓 List of Upcoming Events
 
🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Columbia Expands Outdoor Recreation with New Paddle Craft Launch Sites

The City of Columbia invites the community to a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony celebrating the opening of two new recreational paddle craft access points along the Duck River.

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

12:00 PM

Riverwalk Park (102 Riverside Drive) – near the Riverwalk Park Dam

This project, funded through a State Tourism Enhancement Grant with matching contributions from the State of Tennessee and the City of Columbia, adds two new river access points designed for paddle craft:

One near the Columbia Dam

One under the 5th Street Bridge at Riverwalk Park

Together, these access points create a 30-minute float route, offering a convenient, family-friendly way to experience the Duck River.

The ceremony will include brief remarks from city officials, the ceremonial ribbon cutting, and a photo opportunity to commemorate this addition to Columbia’s recreational amenities.

The City looks forward to celebrating with residents and visitors as it continues to expand outdoor recreation opportunities and highlight the natural beauty of the Duck River—one of North America’s most biodiverse rivers.

Community to Gather on the Square Tonight for Candlelight Vigil Honoring Charlie Kirk

Tonight’s vigil is shaping up to be a well-attended event, with strong community response and participation anticipated. Here is the description from the facebook event…

Join us on the Columbia Square for Light for Charlie: Honoring Charlie Kirk, a candlelight vigil and community gathering.

Sunday Evening | 6:00 PM – 7:45 PM | Columbia Downtown Square

This is not a political event. This night is about honoring Charlie Kirk’s life, standing together in faith, unity, and love. His tragic passing will not divide us, but instead inspire us to come together as a community and a country.

Join us for a night of reflection, healing, and hope. Pastor Chris Brown from The Well Church will lead us in prayer, remembrance, message, and the lighting of candles at sunset. Together, we will remember Charlie, honor his legacy, and let our unity shine as a light in the darkness.

We believe in a God who loves us all and calls us to walk in that love. Let this be the beginning of a new chapter — a Revival of spirit, faith, and unity for our community and beyond.

Bring your family, friends, and neighbors.

Candles will be provided.

All are welcome.

Digital Defense Luncheon: Practical Strategies to Protect Your Business

Cyber threats don’t take lunch breaks—and neither should your strategy.

Join Maury Alliance and Mapletronics on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, for a Cybersecurity luncheon at Southern Tré Steakhouse in downtown Columbia.

This event is designed for business owners, executives, and IT leaders from organizations with 25 to 150 employees. Whether you’re just starting your cybersecurity journey or refining a mature framework, this lunch-and-learn will equip you with the insights you need to lead with confidence.

What to Expect:

• A catered lunch in a relaxed, collaborative setting
• Expert insights on emerging threats like AI-powered deepfakes, phishing, and supply
chain attacks
• Compliance essentials to help you avoid costly fines
• A smarter, simplified approach to cybersecurity
• Real-world strategies to outsmart ransomware and protect your business

Why Attend?

88% of ransomware breaches now target small and midsize businesses. Don’t be an easy target. This luncheon will help you build a game plan that’s practical, effective, and tailored to your organization’s needs.

Location:

Southern Tré Steakhouse – 2nd Floor
117 W 7th St, Columbia, TN 38401

Date & Time:

Wednesday, October 1, 2025
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Seats are limited. Reserve yours today and join fellow leaders for a meal that could change the way you protect your business.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Sunday, September 21st

Monday, September 22nd

Tuesday, September 23rd

Wednesday, September 24th

Thursday, September 25th

MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Saturday, September 20th

Josh Shurden Music, Puckett’s, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Grasskickers, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3:00 – 7:00 PM
The Velvet Troubadours, Buck & Board, 6:00 – 9:00 PM
Josh Hunt, Twisted Copper Brewing Company, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
The Nature Project, McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7:00 – 9:00 PM
Summer Series, The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland, Puckett’s, 7:30 – 9:00 PM
Hannah Clair, Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30 – 9:30 PM
Nkahootz, The Boondox, 8:00 PM
L’80s Night, Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8:00 - 11:00 PM

Sunday, September 21st

Jay Rin, Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1:00 - 5:00 PM

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