☀️ Today’s Weather
Monday, July 6, 2026 — Drizzle. High 90°F, Low 68°F. 41% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Fun Fest doesn’t start for another twelve days and people are already debating parking strategies, staking out parade spots, and asking if the Crazy 8s course is still the same as last year. It is. It always is. That’s the point.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Who built the Netherland Inn structure as part of a boatyard and salt-shipping operation?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Second Man Arrested in Connection to Alleged Burglary at Ketron Elementary
A Kingsport man accused of stealing from a school storage shed has been charged, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office. This is the second arrest connected to the alleged burglary at Ketron Elementary, following an earlier charge in the case. Visit the link below for full details on the charges.
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Elections a Month Away: What Sullivan County Voters Need to Know
With elections approaching in approximately one month, local voters in the Sullivan County area are being encouraged to brush up on key dates, candidates, and ballot details. The Kingsport Times-News has a rundown of what residents need to know ahead of the upcoming election cycle. Visit the link below for full details.
Read more at Kingsport Times-News
📅 Upcoming Events
🍝 SMILE Foster Closet Gift-a-thon & Spaghetti Dinner — July 10, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026 | Doors 5:00 PM, dinner 5:15–7:00 PM, drawing 7:30 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
A spaghetti dinner and prize drawing benefiting SMILE Foster Closet and the local foster families they support. Dinner is $3 per person ($3.50 to-go). Gift-a-thon tickets are $2 each or six for $10, with no limit on entries. Every prize is worth at least $50, including themed baskets, gift cards, and event tickets.
Fun Fest One Pitch Softball Tournament — July 11 & Beyond
Kingsport Parks and Recreation is now accepting registrations for the Fun Fest One Pitch Softball Tournament. The tournament consists of two divisions — Coed and Men’s Open. The Coed tournament will take place on July 11. Visit kingsporttn.gov or funfest.net to register.
Fun Fest 2026 — July 18–26, 2026
Fun Fest runs from July 18 through July 26, with events happening across Kingsport. Key locations include Downtown Kingsport, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Allandale Mansion, and Kingsport Farmers Market, among others.
What started in 1981 as a way to promote unity and pride has grown into one of the largest and most diverse festivals in Tennessee, offering something for everyone — from hot air balloons to national headliner concerts, a parade, road races, block parties, kids’ activities, and plenty of good eats.
The Sunset Concert Series features Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole on July 23, Daughtry and Switchfoot on July 24, and The Brothers Osborne and LeAnn Rimes on July 25. This year, Crazy 8s has been selected by USA Track & Field to host the USATF 8km Championships for both men and women, taking place on July 18 on Kingsport’s world-famous figure-8 course.
Full schedule and tickets at funfest.net
Fun Fest Night Swim at Kingsport Aquatic Center — July 20, 2026
The Kingsport Aquatic Center is hosting a special night of swimming in connection with the annual Fun Fest celebration. The Fun Fest Night Swim will take place on July 20 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Aquatic Center. Visit kingsporttn.gov for tickets and details.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
William King, the frontier entrepreneur associated with the Netherland Inn structure and boatyard activity on the South Fork Holston River.