Ted’s Sporting Goods Celebrates 70 Years as a Columbia Landmark

Issue #585

October 15, 2025

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Sunny w/ high of 82, low of 49

🎉 Ted’s Sporting Goods Celebrates 70 Years as a Columbia Landmark

📌 Saturday: Big Bleu Pickin’ Party

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

Read The Latest Local Business Spotlight! 👇
Why This Columbia Salon + Barbershop Has Clients Driving from Nashville For a Cut

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Ted’s Sporting Goods Celebrates 70 Years as a Columbia Landmark

For seven decades, Ted’s Sporting Goods has been a staple in downtown Columbia, welcoming generations of outdoor enthusiasts beneath its famous upside-down sign.

In 1955, with little more than a few boxes of inventory and a warm welcome for every person who walked through the door, Ted Davis opened what would become a Columbia landmark. Seventy years later, Ted’s Sporting Goods remains the go-to destination for hunting, sporting, and outdoor gear — still guided by its founding principle: offering the best products with even better service.

The original Ted’s was a one-room shop selling army surplus goods. Shelves weren’t in the budget back then, so the merchandise was kept in boxes, and the heart of the business was Ted himself — greeting each visitor like an old friend. As the store grew, so did its loyal following, and Ted eventually moved the business across the street to its current location at 806 South Main St.

Over the years, Ted’s has remained a family-run business, with each generation carrying forward its tradition of personal service and community connection. Locals often return to share their own stories — purchasing their first rifle, earning a scouting badge, or visiting with their children and grandchildren. Many longtime customers have been stopping by since the shop’s earliest days and still make Ted’s part of their routine.

As Columbia continues to grow, Ted’s has become a bridge between the town’s past and present. For newer residents, stepping inside the store often sparks a sense of nostalgia, reminding them of hometown shops they knew elsewhere.

Through the decades, Ted’s evolved from selling surplus items to becoming a full-service sporting goods store, reflecting Ted’s own love for fishing, hunting, and the great outdoors. Through that transformation, one thing never changed: the friendly, small-town service that turned first-time shoppers into lifelong customers.

Now, after 70 years, the Davis family continues to carry on that same spirit. Ted’s remains family-owned and operated, offering high-quality products at fair prices and serving as one of downtown Columbia’s most recognizable fixtures — complete with its signature upside-down sign.

To celebrate seven decades in business, Ted’s is hosting a weeklong event called “7 Days ‘til 70!” which began on October 12th. Each day will feature a new deal, giveaway, or game, announced at 6 p.m. on Facebook and Instagram.

Shoppers who spend $70 or more will be entered into the grand prize drawing on Monday, October 20, for a Smith & Wesson rifle (valued at $1,500) and a Turtlebox Ranger speaker (valued at $250).

The celebration will peak on Saturday, October 18, with a community-wide party at the store:

  • The first 70 customers through the door will receive a swag bag filled with goodies and a mystery gift certificate worth $10–$50 (limit one per family).

  • Live music from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

  • Free lunch from the Big Green Egg between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

  • A community photo at noon — guests are encouraged to wear their Ted’s shirts.

  • Live prize drawings from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for a Bergera rifle and gifts from Columbia Sportswear, Yeti, Kuhl, and more (no purchase necessary; must be present to win).

After seven decades, Ted’s Sporting Goods continues to embody the same values it began with — genuine service, community connection, and a love for the outdoors. Whether you’re a longtime customer or new to Columbia, Ted’s invites you to stop in, celebrate, and see why it’s been a local favorite for 70 years.

For full details, visit www.TedsSportingGoods.com

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Saturday: Big Bleu Pickin’ Party

Ready for some flea market fun?! Join us in downtown Columbia on October 18th for the Big Bleu Pickin’ Party!

Bands on the stage, food trucks, and tons of good junk. 

Columbia Cars & Coffee will be going on from 8-11am that morning as well. It all happens at the county parking lot at the corner of Woodland and E 7th St. Bring the whole gang for this free event!

Upcoming Local Events

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Thursday, October 16th

Friday, October 17th

Saturday, October 18th

Sunday, October 12th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, October 16

Todd Ciprian, Tito’s Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
Hitmakes Series, Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gynne Alden, Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, October 17

TBA – The Spot: Burgers & Beers, 5–8 PM
Trevor Clark – Buck & Board, 6–9 PM
Open Mic Night – Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Clubhouse Rock – Worldwide Stages, 6–10 PM
Tom & Robert – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Iconic Women of Music – The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Troy Castelland – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Kit Bulla – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Ryan Keeler – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
The Outliers – The Boondox, 8 PM
Vinyl Four – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, October 18

Small Town Sweethearts – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Larkin & Leigh – Buck & Board, 5–8 PM
Murphy Ridge – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
John Wayne Band – Twisted Copper Brewing Co., 7–9 PM
Michael Rix – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Fall Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Still Rockin’ – The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Carter Elliott – Grazie Italian Eatery, 7:30–9:30 PM
U4IA – The Ultimate U2 Tribute Show – The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Vaughn Station – The Boondox, 8 PM
Jill FM – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, October 19

John Salaway & Raw Radick – Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM

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