Tennessee Unveils First New Welcome Sign Design Since 1995

Issue #741

June 02, 2026

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

🌤️ Columbia’s Wednesday Weather - Mostly sunny w/ high of 84, low of 57

📰 Tennessee Unveils First New Welcome Sign Design Since 1995

👉 Maury County Public Schools Summer Meal Program Returns

🗓 List of Upcoming Events

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

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

Tennessee Unveils First New Welcome Sign Design Since 1995

Governor Bill Lee, alongside the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) and the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development (TDTD), unveiled the first installation of the state’s new “Welcome to Tennessee” signage program on Monday, beginning with a dedicated photo-op sign at the I-26 Unicoi County Welcome Center in Erwin. The unveiling marks the first visible milestone in a statewide effort to enhance the scenic quality and visual experience along Tennessee’s major highways.

The initiative directly supports Governor Lee’s commitment of $5 million to promote and showcase scenic beauty along Tennessee’s major corridors in the FY25 budget. The new signage represents a modern, welcoming, and visually compelling gateway for the millions of travelers who enter Tennessee each year.

“Every day, thousands of people cross our state line for the first time—families on vacation, new residents seeking opportunity, and visitors who are about to discover what makes Tennessee special,” said Governor Lee. “These new welcome signs reflect the pride we have in our home and Tennessee’s Volunteer Spirit that says ‘we’re glad you’re here.’”

The update marks the first major redesign of the state’s welcome signs since 1995. While the previous version served Tennesseans well for nearly three decades, state leaders saw an opportunity to create something more visually inviting—something that sparks emotion the moment visitors cross the state line.

Inspired by the bold, nostalgic style of vintage postcards, the new signs feature a richly illustrated mural scene that feels both timeless and fresh. The artwork incorporates iconic Tennessee elements—mountains, rivers, wildlife, and layered geographic color palettes. The signs have a clean, confident look that stands out at 70 miles per hour.

Beyond aesthetics, the new signage system is built for longevity and flexibility. Modular panels allow for easy replacement without rebuilding entire structures, and the design can be replicated at Welcome Centers statewide, creating a cohesive visual identity for Tennessee’s entry points.

The version unveiled on Monday is designed specifically for safe visitor engagement and long‑term durability at Welcome Centers across the state.

TDOT will begin installing new roadside gateway signs at 16 interstate entry points over the coming months. These signs will replace the existing welcome signs, with installation occurring in phases as fabrication and site scheduling are completed.

Maury County Public Schools Summer Meal Program Returns

Maury County Public Schools Summer Meal Program is back for 2026.

THE MEAL PROGRAM IS OPEN TO EVERYONE. 

If you know a family in need, let them know or deliver meals to them.

June 1 – June 30

Meal Pick-Up: 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. (Monday–Thursday).

Locations:

• Spring Hill High School - 1 Raider Lane, Columbia, Tennessee 38401
• Mt Pleasant Middle School of the Visual & Performing Arts - 410 Gray Lane, Mt. Pleasant, Tennessee 38474
• Columbia Central High School - 921 Lion Parkway, Columbia, Tennessee 38401
• Joseph Brown Elementary - 301 Cord Drive, Columbia, Tennessee 38401

No registration or sign-up required.

• FREE breakfast & lunch for all children 18 and under.
• Parents/guardians can pick up meals with or without children present.
• Friday, Saturday, and Sunday meals will be distributed on Thursdays!

Adult meals will be served. Exact change/cash required.
Adult breakfast ​- $3.50
Adult lunch - $5.00

Have questions? Contact the MCPS School Nutrition Office at 931-388-8403 (ext. 8131, 8135, or 8136).

Upcoming Local Events

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

Wednesday, June 3rd

Thursday, June 4th

Friday, June 5th

Saturday, June 6th

Sunday, June 7th

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

🎵 This Week’s Live Music

Thursday, June 4
Todd Ciprian - Tito’s, 6–9 PM

Friday, June 5
First Fridays with Kit + Char - Puckett’s, 6:30–8 PM
Brothers in Black - Twisted Copper, 6:30–8:30 PM
Covered Wagon - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
Live on the Square - Mambo Maniacs - Puckett’s, 8:30–9:30 PM

Saturday, June 6
The Vineyard Sessions - Natchez Hills Vineyard, 12–6 PM
Martin Lane - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 3–7 PM
Jake Clayton Band - The Rebel Bar & Grill, 4 PM
7 X Band - Hampshire Hills Distillery, 5–9 PM
Emma Sangnini - Twisted Copper, 7–8:30 PM
Late Bloomers - Puckett’s, 7:30–9 PM
Gritz & Glory - The Boondox, 8 PM
Main Street Vinyl - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 8–11 PM
Micheal Forkuo - Twisted Copper, 8:30–10 PM

Sunday, June 7
Broken Morals Band - Amber Falls Winery & Cellars, 1–5 PM
Todd Ciprian - Fozzy’s Bar & Grill, 2–5 PM

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