Mount Pleasant Awarded $325,000 State Grant for Downtown Improvements

Issue #853

November 05, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Friday Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ high of 60, low of 42

📰 Mount Pleasant Awarded $325,000 State Grant for Downtown Improvements

👉 Columbia’s 40-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Friday Night Downtown

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Mount Pleasant Awarded $325,000 State Grant for Downtown Improvements

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD) Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter announced the 14 Tennessee Main Street and Tennessee Downtowns communities that are recipients of Downtown Improvement Grants (DIGs) on October 28th.

“Our rural communities are the backbone of our economy, and I’m proud to take part in announcing these grants,” said Gov. Lee. “I'm grateful for local leaders who care deeply about their communities and look forward to seeing the investments they make to ensure all of Tennessee can flourish.”

More than $3.9 million in Rural Economic Opportunity funding is being awarded to improve structures in Tennessee Downtowns and Main Street communities. Grants were awarded to organizations that illustrated the need for improvements and the ability to execute an effective design plan for building facades, wayfinding signage, gateways and streetscapes. As part of the program, each new grant recipient will be required to match 25% of the funding received.

“Vibrant downtowns do not happen by accident — they are built through local vision, long-term planning and collaboration. These grants will help 14 communities turn that vision into visible progress by revitalizing the places where residents gather, businesses grow and visitors experience what makes each community unique,” said Deputy Gov. and Commissioner McWhorter. “We are proud to partner with local leaders as they strengthen their downtowns and build even stronger local economies across Tennessee.”

Communities receiving Downtown Improvement Grants in our area include:

• Centerville, Hickman County, $300,000

• Mount Pleasant, Maury County, $325,000

“We are very excited for these 14 communities who have taken steps to give their residents and visitors a better Tennessee experience,” said TNECD Main Street Director Kim Parks. “Our state’s downtowns possess some of the best hospitality and character of any across the country.”

To be eligible for a Downtown Improvement Grant, communities had to submit an application and be a designated Tennessee Downtowns or Tennessee Main Street community. To learn more about the Downtown Improvement Grant Program, visit the website https://www.tn.gov/ecd.

Columbia’s 40-Foot Christmas Tree Lighting Set for Friday Night Downtown

The countdown to Christmas in Columbia starts NOW!

Kick off the holiday season with November's First Fridays: Holiday Kick-Off & Christmas Tree Lighting on Friday, November 6th, from 5–8 PM in Downtown Columbia! Throw on your favorite holiday attire, gather your friends and family, and join us for an evening filled with holiday cheer!

Get a head start on Christmas shopping at your favorite downtown businesses!

Shop unique, handcrafted gifts from local vendors!

Enjoy live music to get you in the holiday spirit!

Grab a bite to eat from downtown restaurants and food trucks!

Get creative and decorate a Christmas ornament that will be displayed at the Riverwalk Park ice skating rink beginning December 1st!

Give Back This Holiday Season!

In the spirit of giving, we're switching things up at our recycling bin this month! Help us fill it with non-perishable food items to benefit The WELL Outreach and those in need throughout our community. While you're there, grab a marker and write something you're thankful for on the bin!

Christmas Tree Lighting | 7:30 PM

Join Mr. & Mrs. Claus for the official lighting of Downtown Columbia's iconic 40-foot Christmas tree! Stick around afterward to enjoy classic Christmas music and snap a photo in front of the beautifully lit tree.

Friday, November
5:00–8:00 PM
Downtown Columbia

Help us kick off the most wonderful time of the year! This FREE community event is one you won't want to miss!

Making friends as an adult is weirdly hard. Maybe this will help… 

Join the What’s Up Columbia! Dinner Club on Thursday, Nov. 19 at 6:30 PM. We’ll match you with five people for dinner at a downtown restaurant, then all the tables meet up at a surprise after-party. Book your seat here. 

Upcoming Local Events

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

Friday, November 6th

Saturday, November 7th

Sunday, November 8th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, November 5
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6-9 PM
Gwynne Alden - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM

Friday, November 6
Mustard & Biscuits - Grinder’s Switch Winery, 6-8 PM
Stevierock - Acapulco Mexican Grill, 6:30-8:30 PM
Matt Nichols - Puckett’s, 6:30-8 PM
Birchwood Blaze - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
The Piano Men - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
The Wannabeatles - Puckett’s, 8-10 PM

Saturday, November 7
Curated Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Martini & Steel - Puckett’s, 7:30-9 PM
Barracuda - America’s Heart Tribute - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
The Wentzel Brothers Band - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

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