Meet The 2026 Mule Day Queen & Her Court

Issue #701

April 06, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

☀️ Columbia’s Tuesday Weather - Sunny skies w/ high of 69, low of 41

👸 Meet The 2026 Mule Day Queen & Her Court

📰 Maury County Convenience Centers To Accept Solid Waste Items

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

👉 Click Here for the Mule Day schedule & Here for even more details & updates!

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

Meet The 2026 Mule Day Queen & Her Court

Ava Sykes was crowned Mule Day Queen at the Mule Day Beauty Pageant on February 21st at Columbia State Community College. You’ll see her and the runners up in the Mule Day Parade on Saturday as well as other events this week. 

Let’s get to know your 2026 Mule Day Queen & Court…

2026 Mule Day Queen Ava Sykes - There is nothing I’m more proud of than representing the place that raised me. This isn’t just a title, it’s a tradition, a legacy, and a community I love with my whole heart.

From the wagon train, to the feed time race, to line dancing our way through the 4H Center, every moment is full of tradition, fun, and memories you won’t find anywhere else.

I cannot wait to make this the most memorable week filled with big ears and even bigger memories. Me and my girls can’t wait to see you April 9–11, you won’t wanna miss the biggest week of the year! And if you see us out, come say hey, we’d love to meet you. Let’s make it one to remember. 

1st Runner Up: Phynlee Ryan Keeling - I’m currently a junior at Culleoka Unit School and plan to pursue a career in cosmetology. Mule Day has always held a special place in my heart, and I’m so grateful to be part of something that means so much to our community.

This year, I’m so excited to be part of all the traditions from the wagon train to celebrating the King Mule and making memories I’ll never forget. Columbia, are y’all ready for the best week of the year filled with big ears and even bigger fun?! Because I sure am!! Happy Mule Week!  

2nd Runner Up: Graciee English - I’m so excited to be a part of Mule Day this year! I was born and raised right here in Maury County, and I’m a 23-year-old teacher and coach at our local middle school. It means so much to be involved in such a special tradition in our community. I’m especially excited to celebrate the 250th year of America, along with the wagon train, spending time with family and friends, and all the things Mule Day offers to our community!! 

3rd Runner Up: Cayley Crews - I’m so excited to be a part of Mule Day this year! It means so much to be involved in such a special tradition in our community. I’m most excited for the parade and getting to be part of all the fun and memories that come with it. 

4th Runner Up: Lailah Webster - I am 15 years old, and I am your 4th Runner Up for Mule Day 2026! I am so excited to ride the wagon train, wave to everyone, and see all the smiling faces as I attend the Mule Day parade.

Don’t miss the Mule Day Parade this Saturday at 11:00 AM!

Maury County Convenience Centers To Accept Solid Waste Items

From Maury County Mayor Sheila Butt’s post today…

GREAT NEWS! 

For many years, I have made the trek to take certain things to the Solid Waste Department for disposal. I know all of you have, as well!

In an effort to make our Convenience Centers more convenient, Matt Turner, our Solid Waste Director and I have initiated a new policy that will begin May 1st.

We hope it will be very helpful to you! 

Upcoming Local Events

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

Tuesday, April 7th

Wednesday, April 8th

Thursday, April 9th

Friday, April 10th

Saturday, April 11th

Sunday, April 12th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Tuesday, April 7
Songwriters Round - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 6–9 PM

Thursday, April 9
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s - Spring Hill, 6–9 PM
The Platters - Cherry Theater - CSCC, 7 PM
Jordan Priest - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM

Friday, April 10
Rob Roscoe - Buck & Board, 6–8 PM
Open Mic Night - Grinder’s Switch, 6–9 PM
Ben Cannon - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30–9 PM
Justen Harden - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Escape - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Saturday, April 11
Jake Clayton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 12 PM
Kenny Durham & Dalton Little - Natchez Hills Vineyards, 12:30–8 PM
Howlin’ Brothers - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 2 PM
The John Wayne Band - The Neon Moon, 2 PM
Sean Carson - Keg Springs Winery, 2–5 PM
Box of Rox - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Perscilla Block & Much More - The Mulehouse, 5 PM
Kirwan! - McCreary’s Irish Pub & Eatery, 7–9 PM
Caleb Christopher Edwards - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Nkahootz - The Boondox, 8–11 PM
Smokin’ Peas - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM

Sunday, April 12

Phillips Music - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Rett Stocstill - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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