☀️ Today’s Weather
Foggy skies today with a high of 85°F and a low of 69°F. There’s a 16% chance of rain — a light layer of fog to start the morning, but mostly clear skies ahead.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport is the kind of place where a hazmat team, a brand-new fire truck, and a tomato festival can all make the news in the same week — and locals just nod and say, “Sounds about right.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What carousel company originally made the frame used for the Kingsport Carousel?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🚨 I-26 Welcome Center Closed for Hazmat Incident
The Kingsport Fire Department responded to a hazmat incident at the Tennessee Welcome Center at Exit 5 in Kingsport. The welcome center was closed during the response, though KFD said there was no hazard to the public, no evacuations occurred, and traffic on I-26 was not affected. KFD was assisted by the Kingsport Police Department, Sullivan County EMS, the Tennessee Department of Transportation, and Sullivan County EMA.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
💐 Kingsport Celebrates Homegrown Tomato Fest
Kingsport recently held its annual Homegrown Tomato Fest, celebrating the locally beloved summer tradition. The festival is a signature summer community event for the Model City. See the Times News for coverage of the festivities.
📅 Upcoming Events
🎭 Free Admission Day at Bays Mountain Park
Sunday, August 16, 2026
Bays Mountain Park, Kingsport
Guests at Bays Mountain Park can enjoy free admission on August 16, thanks to the Northeast Tennessee Association of Realtors. The park will be open from 11 a.m. until 8 p.m., and the nature center will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
🏴☠️ Peter Pan — FHG Productions
August 14–23, 2026 | Fridays & Saturdays at 7:00 PM, Sundays at 3:00 PM
Sensory-friendly show: Saturday, August 22 at 2:00 PM
2152 Hawthorne St, Kingsport
FHG Productions brings the classic tale of Peter Pan to the stage, with pirates, pixie dust, and Neverland adventure for the whole family.
🎭 Kingsport Theatre Guild Opens “The Play That Goes Wrong”
Kingsport Theatre Guild recently announced it will be opening a production of The Play That Goes Wrong. The announcement was made in August 2026. Visit the link below for performance dates, times, and ticket information.
🎸 Smoky Mountain Terror at MeadowView
August 27–29, 2026 (starts Thursday, August 27 at 7:00 PM)
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
Smoky Mountain Terror is happening August 27, 2026 at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center in Kingsport. The event takes place August 28th through 30th at the Meadowview Convention Center; guests will be available for photo opportunities, signings, and more, including a panel discussion with stars of the popular vampire movies and an adult-only after party. Visit the link below for full details and tickets.
🎵 Gypsy Moon Coalition Live at Kingsport Moose Lodge
Saturday, August 22, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Kingsport Moose Lodge #972
Gypsy Moon Coalition will perform at Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 on Saturday, August 22, 2026 starting at 8:00 PM. Visit the link below for more details.
🎤 Leo Starling Live at Kingsport Moose Lodge
Friday, August 28, 2026 | 8:00 PM
Kingsport Moose Lodge #972
Leo Starling will perform live at Kingsport Moose Lodge #972 on Friday, August 28, 2026 starting at 8:00 PM. Visit the link below for more details.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Allan Herschell Company, a well-known American carousel manufacturer whose frames were used at amusement parks and fairs across the country.