☀️ Today’s Weather
Clear skies. High 78°F, Low 46°F. 1% chance of rain — a beautiful spring day in the Model City.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a Long Island right in the middle of the Holston River. Locals will remind you — completely unprompted — that the Long Island Iced Tea was invented there, and they’ll say it with the same quiet confidence as someone who’s already won the argument.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: Kingsport has a surprising claim to cocktail history — locals say a famous mixed drink was invented right here during Prohibition. What is the name of that cocktail, who is credited with originally creating it in Kingsport, and on what Kingsport landmark did he reportedly live when he concocted it?
Answer: The Long Island Iced Tea! Charles Bishop, aka “Old Man Bishop,” is credited with creating the original Long Island Iced Tea recipe while residing on Long Island in Kingsport, Tennessee. The original recipe included five liquors and maple syrup. Long Island is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is an island in the Holston River in Kingsport, located across the main channel of the South Branch of the Holston River from the downtown area. The story begins in the 1920s, in the midst of Prohibition.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Justice Center Courthouse Named for Local Judge
The Kingsport Board of Mayor and Aldermen has approved a new name for the courthouse within the Kingsport Justice Center, honoring a local judge. The naming comes as the long-running Justice Center expansion and renovation project — a $19 million effort funded by city and Sullivan County bonds — nears completion. The Times News also reports the BMA approved a tax incentive connected to the old Lee Apartments site at the same meeting.
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Environmental Group to Host Earth Day Event Saturday
In celebration of Earth Day, a local environmental group is hosting a public event this Saturday, April 25, in the Kingsport area. The event falls on the day after the official Earth Day holiday (April 22) and offers residents a chance to engage with local conservation efforts. Visit the Times News for full event details.
Warriors’ Path State Park Hosting Playground Volunteer Cleanup
Warriors’ Path State Park is calling on community volunteers to help with a playground cleanup event. The initiative gives residents a hands-on way to support one of Kingsport’s most beloved outdoor spaces. Check the Times News link for dates, times, and details on how to participate.
Dobyns-Bennett Alumni Association Seeking Hall of Fame Nominations
The Dobyns-Bennett Alumni Association is accepting nominations for its Hall of Fame, giving the community an opportunity to recognize outstanding graduates of the historic Kingsport high school. Those wishing to nominate a deserving alum are encouraged to review the criteria and submission details at the Times News link below.
Local Farming Film to Screen at Jackson Theater
A film focused on local farming is coming to the Jackson Theater in the Kingsport area, offering audiences a look at regional agriculture and the people behind it. The screening presents a unique opportunity for community members to engage with stories about local food and land stewardship. See the Times News for screening times and details.
📅 Upcoming Events
Kingsport Farmers Market — Opening Day Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, April 25 — Hours from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. or until produce and products are sold out.
Location: Kingsport Farmers Market, located at 308 Clinchfield Street.
Opening day events and activities include a children’s activity from the Kingsport Public Library (beginning at 8:30 a.m.), free tomato plant potting for children (while supplies last), the Kingsport Carousel opening at 10 a.m. with free rides all day sponsored by Kingsport Farmers Market vendors, free shopping bags to color on-site for kids (while supplies last), and a stitching and sewing station to add to a community quilt from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., with live music from Mike Milhorn with a special performance from Gold Pine at 9 a.m.
Read more at NortheastTennessee.org
Tennessee Plant Show — 2nd Annual Mother’s Day Weekend Celebration
Date/Time: Saturday, May 9, at the Marriott MeadowView Resort & Convention Center. The show will run from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. General admission is $10.
Location: MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, 1901 Meadowview Pkwy, Kingsport, TN 37660.
The event features thousands of plants and is described as Tennessee’s largest plant event. Senior citizen discounts are available, and children 16 and under are free.