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Kids Launch Their Own Businesses at Spring Hill Children’s Business Fair

Issue #698

April 01, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Thursday Weather - Mix of sunshine & clouds w/ high of 85, low of 67

📰 Kids Launch Their Own Businesses at Spring Hill Children’s Business Fair

📰 Columbia Strengthens Event Security with 18 Vehicle-Blocking Barriers

👉 Win Tickets to Every 2026 Show at Ascend Amphitheater

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Kids Launch Their Own Businesses at Spring Hill Children’s Business Fair

Could a ten-year-old invent the next Uber?

Find out at the Annual Spring Hill Children’s Business Fair, showcasing children’s entrepreneurial genius! 

On April 11th from 10:00am-1:00pm, the 4th annual Spring Hill Children’s Business Fair will host 30 young entrepreneurs at Acton TriStar Academy 762 Beechcroft Rd. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC. 

Children create a product or service, develop a brand, build a marketing strategy, and then open for customers at this one-day marketplace. The children are responsible for the setup, sales, and interacting with customers, and any parent seen selling to the customer or promoting the child’s product will result in disqualification from the competition. 

This event is sponsored by Acton Academy, the Acton Next Great Adventure, and the generous support of donors and volunteers, who all believe that principled entrepreneurs are heroes and role models for the next generation. 

Whether an entrepreneur is famous, like Elon Musk or Oprah Winfrey, or one of the thousands of unsung business owners across this country, these entrepreneurs are the people who make sacrifices to innovate, create jobs, and serve their communities. 

“Today’s youth are tomorrow’s business innovators and leaders. The Children’s Business Fair gives students the opportunity to spread their entrepreneurial wings and get a head start on promising business careers,” said Jeff Sandefer, founder of the Acton School of Business, one of the sponsors of the fair. 

Cash prizes of $50 will be awarded in each of the age groups (6-9, 10-13, and 14-17) for “Most Business Potential,” “Most Creative Idea,” and “Most Impressive Presentation.” 

Both adult sponsors and shockingly articulate children are available for interviews on camera or off. For more information, please contact Rachel Ogden at 931-505-5757 or [email protected].

Columbia Strengthens Event Security with 18 Vehicle-Blocking Barriers

The City of Columbia is further strengthening public safety at community events with the acquisition of 18 portable traffic safety barriers designed to protect pedestrians and deter vehicles from entering crowded public spaces.

The barriers were funded through the State of Tennessee’s Violent Crime Intervention Fund (VCIF) grant awarded to the City in December 2025, supporting ongoing efforts to enhance public safety citywide.

“These VCIF grant funds allow us to take a proactive approach to public safety,” said Police Chief Jeremy Haywood. “By investing in equipment like these barriers, we are better equipped to protect our residents and visitors.”

These barriers are engineered to stop vehicles weighing between 5,000 and 12,000 pounds traveling at speeds of up to 30 miles per hour, bringing them to a halt within 7 to 10 feet. Their “Drop and Stop” design allows for quick manual setup and easy relocation, making them a versatile solution for a variety of applications.

City Manager Tony Massey said, “The safety of our residents and visitors remains a top priority. These barriers provide an added layer of protection at community events.”

The barriers are well suited to secure entry points and roadways at public gatherings. They will be deployed at some of Columbia’s most well-attended events, including First Fridays in downtown Columbia, helping ensure safe and enjoyable experiences for all attendees.

Public Works Director Jeff DeWire said, “These barriers are a practical and effective tool for our crews, designed for quick deployment while enhancing safety for both the public and staff.”

This investment reflects Columbia’s continued commitment to public safety and to supporting a secure, vibrant community.

Win Tickets to Every 2026 Show at Ascend Amphitheater

Nashville’s Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater is kicking off its 2026 concert season with its “Season of Tickets” giveaway.

Fans have the chance to win two tickets to every show at the venue throughout the entire 2026 season, with one lucky winner randomly selected on April 22. Fans can enter here.

2026 Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater Lineup:
Bailey Zimmerman (May 1 & May 2)
Russell Dickerson (May 8)
An Evening with David Byrne (May 9)
Yellowcard (June 8)
Charlie Puth (June 9)
Yacht Rock Symphony in Concert (June 23)
Young The Giant (June 27)
Lindsey Stirling (July 22)
Turnpike Troubadours (July 24)
Zeds Dead (July 25)
The Pussycat Dolls (July 29)
Hilary Duff (July 30)
Train (July 31)
Tape B x Levity (August 8)
Jack Johnson (August 25)
Dermot Kennedy (October 11)

Upcoming Local Events

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

Thursday, April 2nd

Friday, April 3rd

Saturday, April 4th

Sunday, April 5th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, April 2
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM
A Night of Worship - The Mulehouse, 6:30 PM
Karaoke - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 7–11 PM

Friday, April 3
Michael Forkuo of Pardon The Rebels - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Chief Smiley Ricks & The C-Town Specials - Daniel’s Barber Shop on the Square, 6–7:30 PM
Nkahootz - Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
First Fridays with The Fletcher Brothers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
The 77 Experience - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Live on the Square - Smith & Gone - Puckett’s Upstairs, 8:30–10 PM

Saturday, April 4
Grasskickers - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
The Prickly Pair - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Twilight Train - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Stranger Than Fiction - Embers, 8–11 PM

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