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Tennessee Just Added a New State Park, and It’s Not Far From Columbia

Issue #825

September 25, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

⛅️ Columbia’s Saturday Weather - Mostly cloudy w/ high of 77, low of 53

📰 Tennessee Just Added a New State Park, and It’s Not Far From Columbia

🎺 9/26: 50th Annual Columbia Invitational Marching Competition

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Tennessee Just Added a New State Park, and It’s Not Far From Columbia

There’s a new TN state park to enjoy (when it opens)… and it’s not too far from Columbia!

Here’s the report from tn.gov…

Tennessee State Parks on Wednesday dedicated Dry Branch State Park, celebrating a major milestone in one of the state’s most significant conservation success stories. The dedication welcomes the Dry Branch State Natural Area into the Tennessee State Parks system as its 68th state park while ensuring the land retains all protections associated with its State Natural Area designation. 

Located at the intersection of Lewis, Hickman, and Perry counties, Dry Branch has long been recognized for its ecological importance and rare plant life, including the endangered Tennessee yellow-eyed grass. Its protection began in 2003, followed by significant partnerships and land purchases by The Nature Conservancy and the State of Tennessee that permanently secured more than 2,500 acres. The land is now permanently protected under the Natural Areas Preservation Act. 

“By welcoming Dry Branch as Tennessee’s 68th state park, we’re ensuring that this extraordinary landscape is not only protected but opened for future generations of Tennesseans,” said David Salyers, commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC). “I am grateful to Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee General Assembly for providing the resources to turn the natural beauty of Dry Branch into an outdoor space for all to explore, appreciate, and enjoy.” 

“Dry Branch is a great example of Tennessee’s commitment to conservation, strong partnerships, and a deep belief in preserving the natural places that make our state special,” said TDEC Deputy Commissioner Brian Clifford. “As a dedicated state park, visitors will have the opportunity to enjoy the rich diversity of this landscape not only through access, but outdoor recreational opportunities.” 

Dry Branch State Park is not yet open to visitors, but will serve as an economic and tourism driver for this rural Tennessee community following a master planning period currently underway. 

Visit the Dry Branch State Park website or follow the park's Facebook page for updates and more visitor information. 

A total of 14 new Tennessee State Parks will be established under Gov. Bill Lee, setting the Tennessee record for the most state parks created by one administration. 

When will the park be open?

The Dry Branch State Park website says… “Right now, we are laying the groundwork so future visitors can explore the site responsibly. Dry Branch is not yet open for public access, but this careful planning will help protect the special habitat and endangered species for generations to come.“

9/26: 50th Annual Columbia Invitational Marching Competition

This Saturday is the 50th Annual Columbia Invitational Marching Competition! 

CIMC is one of the biggest fundraisers of the year for the Columbia Central Band program, and simply coming out to watch the competition is a great way to support our students.

We’ll have bands from across the area competing throughout the afternoon and evening, followed by Columbia Central performing in exhibition.

Saturday, September 26

Lindsey Nelson Stadium
Columbia Central High School (921 Lion Parkway)
First performance — 1:30 PM
CHS Exhibition — 7:45 PM
Awards — 8:10 PM

This year also marks 50 years of CIMC, making it a pretty special year for a competition that has been part of our band program and community for decades.

If you’re looking for something to do Saturday, come spend a few hours with us, watch some great high school marching bands, grab dinner at the concession stand or one of our amazing local food trucks, and help support the CHS Band while you’re there.

We’d love to see a great crowd in the stands Saturday! Please share and help us get the word out.

Upcoming Local Events

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

Saturday, September 26th

Sunday, September 27th

Monday, September 28th 

Tuesday, September 29th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Friday, September 25
Golden Soul Revue - Buck & Board, 6-9 PM
Bayou Blues Jam - Southern Bayou Kitchen, 7 PM
Hit Songwriter Show - The Mulehouse, 7:30 PM
Zachariah Smith - Whiskey Alley Saloon, 7:30-9 PM
Austin Byrd - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Brandon Bartley - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Saturday, September 26
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 2-5 PM
Crossbridges - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3-7 PM
Boomerang - Corner of Woodland & E 7th St, 3-5 PM
Mustard & Biscuits - Grinder's Switch Winery, 5-7 PM
Box of Rox - Corner of Woodland & E 7th St, 6-8 PM
Rob Roscoe and Larkin & Leigh - 203 Pleasant St (Mt Pleasant), 6-9 PM
Johnny Jameson & The Empty Pints - McCreary's Irish Pub & Eatery, 7-9 PM
Un-Redacted + Colonsay - 104 East 6th St, 7:30 PM
Song Writers Round - The Bourbon Gospel, 7:30 PM
Real Deal Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 7:30 PM
Radio Farm - Puckett's, 7:30-9 PM
Hippies & Cowboys - The Mulehouse, 8 PM
Six String Revolver - The Boondox, 8 PM
Vintage Voltage - Fozzy's Bar & Grill, 8-11 PM

Sunday, September 27
Phillips Music - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1-5 PM

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