☀️ Today’s Weather
Mainly clear skies for Kingsport on Wednesday, July 15 — High 89°F, Low 65°F, with just a 1% chance of rain. Great day to get outside.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport is getting an IMAX theater the same week Fun Fest kicks off. The Model City has been quietly overachieving since 1917, and it’s not about to stop now.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Harry Coover’s famous invention is best known by what everyday name?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Police Investigate Suspicious Device on Cooper Street, Residents Evacuated
A large presence of heavily-equipped police was seen in the Lynn Garden community of Kingsport, with the Kingsport Police Department reporting it was “addressing a public safety concern” at Cooper Street. Specialized teams were mobilized and a joint command post was established, with a KPD-marked armored vehicle spotted in the area. The department completed its initial investigation of the suspicious device/substance just after midnight, and evacuated residents were given the all-clear to return home — more than ten hours after the operation began.
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Eastman Partners with Kingsport Ballet to Create ‘Vincent’ Costumes
Eastman has teamed up with the Kingsport Ballet to produce costumes for an upcoming production called “Vincent.” The collaboration highlights Eastman’s continued involvement in supporting local arts and culture in the Kingsport community. Visit the link below for more details on the partnership.
Kingsport Moving Into Next Phase for New Elementary School in Lynn Garden
The city of Kingsport is advancing plans for a new elementary school in the Lynn Garden neighborhood. The project is entering its next phase, reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to improving educational facilities in the area. Follow the link below for further details on the timeline and next steps.
📅 Upcoming Events
Behind the Book Festival — July 19, 2026
The Kingsport Public Library is hosting the Behind the Book Festival, featuring more than 50 local and regional authors. The festival will take place on the first floor of the Fort Henry Mall on July 19 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. More than 50 authors have signed up to participate and will be on hand selling and signing their books, with discussion panels throughout the day and children’s authors reading to visiting children.
Fun Fest 2026 — July 18–26, 2026
Fun Fest runs from July 18 through July 26, with events happening across Kingsport at key locations including Downtown Kingsport, Dobyns-Bennett High School, Allandale Mansion, and Kingsport Farmers Market, among others. This year’s Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium features Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole (July 23), Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24), and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25). The festival offers something for everyone — from hot air balloons to national headliner concerts, a parade, road races, block parties, kids’ activities, and food.
Fun Fest Parade — Friday, July 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM
The Fun Fest Parade takes place on Friday, July 17, 2026 at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport. The Fun Fest Parade through downtown Kingsport marks the official kickoff to the annual festival, featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and community spirit.
Fun Fest: Pink Floyd in the Planetarium at Bays Mountain
A special Pink Floyd: Fun Fest in the Planetarium event is scheduled at Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium during Fun Fest, with tickets available online at FunFest.net or at the Bays Mountain Nature Center. Tickets are priced differently for members and non-members — check the Fun Fest website for details and to purchase in advance.
Twilight Alive Summer Concert Series — Friday Evenings, Downtown Kingsport
Free concerts are held on Friday nights throughout the summer in Downtown Kingsport, with music starting at 7 PM. The series continues through the summer season. Check Downtown Kingsport Association for the current schedule and performer lineup.
More info at Downtown Kingsport
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Super Glue, the fast-bonding adhesive that Harry Coover discovered while working at Eastman in Kingsport and that has become one of the most widely used household products in the world.