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Huge Valentine’s Day Crowd Fills Mama Mila’s, Line Wraps Around the Block

Issue #667

February 17, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☁️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Cloudy w/ high of 66, low of 58

😳 Huge Valentine’s Day Crowd Fills Mama Mila’s, Line Wraps Around the Block

📰 Columbia Recognized Nationally for Sports Tourism Impact

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Huge Valentine’s Day Crowd Fills Mama Mila’s, Line Wraps Around the Block

Mama Mila’s Italian restaurant drew a jaw-dropping crowd on Valentine’s Day, with customers lined up out the door and down the street — a testament to the impact they’ve made on the community in just a few short years.

From Mila Martinico’s post on Monday…

After taking yesterday to recover from the whirlwind of this past week, I’m still a little at a loss for words. Valentine’s Day brought the longest line we’ve ever seen — a line full of happy, smiling faces.

At one point I found myself in the dish pit with my heart racing, not sure if I wanted to cry or throw up from the anxiety. In those moments, instead of crashing, I closed my eyes and prayed. Mateo and I are always praying, brainstorming, and searching for better ways to streamline things while honoring God and the calling placed on our lives.

It never stops amazing — and honestly humbling — me that we have the privilege and responsibility of serving so many people. We prepared the best way we knew how, and I am beyond blessed with an incredible staff. Every single person worked tirelessly to make this past week run as smoothly as possible, which in this industry is a feat in itself.

My heart is overflowing with gratitude as I look back on this weekend. Thank you for being the most gracious, kind, and supportive customers. Your encouragement never goes unnoticed.

Thank you for allowing our family to share our heritage and legacy with you. For Italians, food is an intimate love language, and putting your life and heart on a plate for the public can feel vulnerable. But this community makes it an honor.

We are so grateful to be a small part of your lives and your families.

Grazie Mille

Tanti Baci 

Columbia Recognized Nationally for Sports Tourism Impact

The City of Columbia Parks and Recreation Department has been recognized as a 2025 Champion of Economic Impact in Sports Tourism by Sports Destination Management, honoring the exceptional performance and national impact of the Ridley Sports Complex.

Ridley Sports Complex was honored in the Small Market category, highlighting Columbia’s continued rise as a premier destination for sports tourism. Across all 2025 champions, more than $1.4 billion in economic activity was generated nationwide over the past year, underscoring the powerful role sporting events play in strengthening local economies.

“This award reinforces what so many teams and event organizers already know -- Ridley Sports Complex is a top-tier venue,” said Mack Reagan, Director of Columbia Parks and Recreation. “Our staff works hard to deliver exceptional tournament experiences, and we’re thrilled to see the positive effects that sports tourism continues to bring to Columbia.”

With high-quality fields, versatile facilities, and a strong track record of hosting major regional and national tournaments, Ridley Sports Complex attracts thousands of athletes, families, and spectators each year. These events provide measurable benefits to the community by supporting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and small businesses.

“This recognition proves that Columbia is competing and winning on a national stage,” said City Manager Tony Massey. “We are proud of this achievement and excited for what’s ahead.”

Sports Destination Management is the most widely circulated publication for sports event planners and tournament directors in the country, focusing on destination selection, venue management, and industry innovation. Columbia’s inclusion among the 2025 champions showcases the city’s leadership and competitiveness in this growing industry.

As Columbia continues to build on this momentum, Ridley Sports Complex will once again host the Midstate Classic on March 10, 2026, marking the 11th year of the popular collegiate softball tournament. Events like the Midstate Classic further demonstrate how sports tourism continues to generate economic activity and community engagement throughout the year.

The Midstate Classic will feature three games throughout the day:

  • 10:00 a.m. – Columbia Central High School Lions vs. Spring Hill High School Raiders

  • 1:30 p.m. – Columbia State Community College Lady Chargers vs. Calhoun Community College Warhawks

  • 5:30 p.m. – University of Tennessee Lady Volunteers vs. Austin Peay State University Governors

Gates open at 7:30 a.m. General admission is $10 and includes access to all three games. Complimentary ADA transportation will be available before, during, and after the tournament. Tickets are available now! Click here to get your tickets today! For additional information, call (931) 388-8119.

The City of Columbia looks forward to continued growth in sports tourism and ongoing improvements that will ensure Ridley Sports Complex remains one of Tennessee’s premier sports destinations.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, February 18th

Thursday, February 19th

Friday, February 20th

Saturday, February 21st

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Wednesday, February 18
Open Mic – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7 PM

Thursday, February 19
Todd Ciprian – Tito’s (Spring Hill), 6–9 PM
Billy Wilson – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, February 20
Music City Dueling Pianos – The Mulehouse, 7 PM
Tom Saffell & Robert Johnson – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Nick Bentley – Grinder’s Switch Winery, 7–9 PM
Troy Castellano – Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Madison McCoy – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Bonus Track – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

Saturday, February 21
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints – McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Winter Series: The Bourbon Gospel – 7:30 PM
Chad Cates – Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Grace West Band – Fozzy’s Bar & Grill (Spring Hill), 8–11 PM

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