☀️ Today’s Weather
Light rain with a high of 83°F and a low of 68°F — 41% chance of rain. Keep an umbrella handy if you’re heading out this afternoon.
😄 Only in Johnson City
ETSU fall camp starts up, and suddenly every route through the university district adds ten minutes. Johnson City welcomes the Bucs back the same way it always does — with road delays and genuine excitement, in that order.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Long before it was known as Johnson City, this growing railroad stop had a much more practical name. What was one early railroad-era name for it?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
ETSU Bucs Football Prepares for the Start of Fall Camp
East Tennessee State University’s football program is gearing up as fall camp gets underway. The Bucs are preparing for the upcoming season as players and coaches hit the practice field. Fans looking ahead to the season can follow the team’s progress as camp begins in earnest.
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Frazier Plumbing
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Fun Fest Concert Series & Back to School Party: Weekend Events in the Tri-Cities
This weekend brings a packed slate of things to do across the Tri-Cities, including Fun Fest concert series events and a back-to-school-themed party. Families and music fans will find plenty of options to fill the weekend. Check the full guide for details on locations and times.
Food City & Pepsi Host Coalition 4 Kids Shopping Event
Food City and Pepsi recently teamed up to host a Coalition 4 Kids shopping experience for local children. The event gave kids a hands-on opportunity to learn about budgeting while shopping for back-to-school supplies. It is part of the ongoing Coalition for Kids community outreach effort in the Johnson City area.
Good Samaritan Ministries Hosts Food Distribution
Good Samaritan Ministries recently held a food distribution event to serve community members in need in the Johnson City area. The organization continues its regular outreach efforts to provide food assistance to local residents. Visit the link below for more details on future distribution events.
Tusculum vs. ETSU Football Game Kickoff Time Changed
The kickoff time for the upcoming Tusculum vs. ETSU football game has been officially changed. Fans planning to attend should check the updated schedule before heading to the stadium. See the full story for the revised time and any additional game details.
📅 Upcoming Events
Johnson City Doughboys vs. Danville Otterbots
Date/Time: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at 2:00 PM
Location: TVA Credit Union Ballpark, Johnson City, TN
The Johnson City Doughboys wrap up their home series against the Danville Otterbots with a Sunday afternoon game. Head out to the ballpark for an afternoon of Appalachian League baseball.
Meet the Mountains Festival 2026
Date/Time: Friday, August 15 & Saturday, August 16, 2026
Location: Winged Deer Park Lakefront, Johnson City, TN
The annual Meet the Mountains Festival returns to Winged Deer Park Lakefront for a free, two-day outdoor celebration showcasing Northeast Tennessee’s outdoor recreation assets. The festival features live music, food and business vendors, kayaking, mountain biking, and more. Admission is free.
The Farmer & The Chef
Date/Time: Sunday, August 30, 2026, 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: Blackthorn Club at the Ridges, Johnson City area
A signature culinary event featuring regional chefs using locally grown fresh food, with proceeds supporting the mission to end food insecurity in Northeast Tennessee. For tickets and more information, visit the link below.
Now Now — Live at Down Home
Date: August 9, 2026
Location: Johnson City, TN
Indie music act Now Now is coming to Johnson City on August 9. For full event details including time and tickets, visit the Visit Johnson City events page.
More info at visitjohnsoncitytn.com
📜 Today in Johnson City History
One hundred and twenty-five years ago today in 1901, The Comet reprinted a story from the Bristol News about Johnson City’s own Governor Alf Taylor, who accidentally swapped travel bags with a stranger on a train before a lecture engagement in Wise, Virginia. Opening the wrong bag, he found only a worn old suit and a dirk knife. He went onstage anyway in his rumpled summer clothes. The audience, having heard what happened, was happy to have him in any attire.
For more details, subscribe to the Today in Johnson City History newsletter by Rebecca Henderson.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
Johnson’s Depot — the name used for the early railroad stop that would eventually grow into Johnson City, named for Henry Johnson who donated land for the depot.