☀️ Today’s Weather
Rain showers throughout the day. High of 71°F, low of 53°F. 51% chance of rain — don’t forget an umbrella.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has planted trees every Arbor Day for 40 years straight. Somewhere out there, one of those trees is older than most of the people reading this newsletter — and it doesn’t have a single opinion about traffic on Stone Drive.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport has proudly held the designation of “Tree City USA” through its annual Arbor Day celebrations — but what national organization awards the Tree City USA designation, and what are the four standards a community must meet to qualify?
Answer: The Tree City USA designation is awarded by the Arbor Day Foundation. To qualify, a community must meet four standards: (1) have a tree board or department, (2) have a tree care ordinance, (3) spend at least $2 per capita on urban forestry, and (4) hold an annual Arbor Day observance and proclamation.
🔝 Top Stories
TBI Investigating ‘Unauthorized Political Mailers’ in Sullivan County
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has opened an investigation into unauthorized political mailers that surfaced in Sullivan County ahead of local elections. The mailers have drawn scrutiny as early voting is underway in Sullivan County races. Visit the Times News for the latest updates on the investigation.
Sponsored by
Crosscut Tree Services
Got a tree that’s leaning, dying, or just getting a little too comfortable with your roofline? Terry and the crew at Crosscut handle it all — removal, trimming, and 24/7 emergency service when a storm doesn’t wait for business hours. They’re local, they’re licensed, and if you’ve seen their reviews, you know they show up on time and do the job right the first time. Free quotes. No pressure.
Eastman and Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport Dedicate Memorial Garden
Eastman and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kingsport recently joined together to dedicate a new memorial garden. The dedication marks a meaningful community collaboration between one of Kingsport’s largest employers and a longtime youth-serving organization. Visit the Times News for full details on the ceremony and what the garden honors.
Kingsport Celebrates 40th Arbor Day with Tree Planting at Borden Park
The City of Kingsport marked its 40th consecutive Arbor Day celebration this week with a community tree planting at Borden Park. The milestone event reflects four decades of the city’s ongoing commitment to maintaining and growing its urban tree canopy. Residents and city officials gathered to participate in the planting and celebrate the occasion.
Tennessee Plant Show Coming to Kingsport May 9
Plant enthusiasts take note — the Tennessee Plant Show is headed to Kingsport on May 9 for a Mother’s Day weekend celebration. The event will be held at the MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center and is expected to draw vendors and gardening fans from across the region. Head to WJHL for more details on what to expect.
Open-to-All Regional Art Exhibit Highlights Established and Emerging Artists
A regional art exhibition open to all skill levels is currently on display, showcasing works from both established and emerging local artists. The exhibit offers residents an opportunity to experience a wide range of creative voices from across the region in one setting. See the full story at WCYB for exhibit location, dates, and hours.
📅 Upcoming Events
Netherland Inn Opening Day 2026
Saturday, May 2, 2026 | 2:00–4:00 PM | Free to the public
Netherland Inn & Boatyard — 2144 Netherland Inn Rd, Kingsport
The Netherland Inn kicks off its 2026 season with a free public celebration marking 250 years on the banks of the Holston River. The afternoon includes live music from the Kingsport Community Band, a second set from the Hillbilly Hippies, and period dancing by the Sabine Hill dancers. Revolutionary War reenactors will be on site, along with storytellers at the flatboat and the Daniel Boone Cabin, where Rebecca Boone’s 1776 life gets brought to life. Historical documents from Kingsport Archives will be on display in the schoolhouse cabin. No admission, no tickets — just show up.
The Netherland Inn is a nonprofit that runs entirely on fundraisers and volunteers with no city or government funding. If you’ve never been out to the site, this is a good excuse to go.
Tennessee Plant Show 2026 — Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration
Saturday, May 9, 2026 | Starting at 8:00 AM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center — 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN
The Tennessee Plant Show returns for a Mother’s Day weekend celebration, bringing together plant vendors and gardening enthusiasts from across the state. A great outing for plant lovers of all kinds.
Smoky Mountain Fan Fest 2026
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31, 2026 | May 29 starting at 3:00 PM, through May 31 at 5:00 PM
Meadowview Convention Center — 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN
The 7th annual Smoky Mountain Fan Fest returns to Kingsport — Kingsport’s biggest comic con. The multi-day event features celebrities, panels, vendors, cosplay, and more. Tickets and limited VIP packages are available now.
More details at SmokymountainFanFest.com