☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 80°F and a low of 70°F — keep an umbrella handy with a 40% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport is four days away from Fun Fest, about to get its first IMAX theater, and Warriors’ Path is still just quietly doing its thing in the background. Summer here isn’t a season — it’s a full calendar conflict.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Preston family heirs donated part of the Exchange Place property in what year?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
Sullivan County Property Tax Increase Being Considered
Sullivan County officials are eyeing a property tax increase, according to a recent headline from HVBC Group. The story follows ongoing budget pressures in the county, and comes after the City of Kingsport already raised property taxes as part of its FY 2026 budget that went into effect July 1. Residents are encouraged to follow local news for updates on how the proposed increase may affect their tax bills.
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Kingsport American Legion Post Calling on Veterans to Join Honor Guard
A Kingsport American Legion post is reaching out to local veterans to join its Honor Guard, which is in need of additional members to continue its service. The Honor Guard plays an important ceremonial role, including participating in military funeral services and community events. Veterans interested in serving are encouraged to contact the post for more information.
Warriors’ Path Summer in the Park Continues into Eighth Week
The Warriors’ Path Summer in the Park program is well into its eighth week, continuing to provide outdoor summer programming for area residents. The ongoing series has been a staple of summertime activity at the park through the season. Check the link below for details on what’s coming up.
📅 Upcoming Events
Fun Fest 2026 — Kingsport’s Signature Summer Festival
Dates: July 17–25, 2026 | Various locations across Kingsport
Fun Fest 2026 is Kingsport’s annual nine-day summer festival featuring more than 100 events at over 30 locations. Highlights include a parade, hot air balloons, fireworks, food trucks, road races, and the Sunset Concert Series at J. Fred Johnson Stadium. Concert headliners include Jeremy Camp and Katy Nichole (July 23), Daughtry and Switchfoot (July 24), and LeAnn Rimes and Brothers Osborne (July 25). The Fun Fest Parade kicks off the festival on Friday, July 17 at 6:30 PM in Downtown Kingsport.
Full schedule and details at funfest.net
Trash Barrel Paint-In (Pre-Fun Fest Event)
Date: Tuesday, July 14, 2026
This pre-Fun Fest art event invites participants to paint decorative trash barrels as part of the festival’s creative tradition. It’s one of several arts-focused events surrounding Fun Fest in Kingsport.
Lunchtime Live Concert Series — Final Show: Bristol Lightning
Date: Friday, July 17, 2026 at 12:00 PM | Kingsport Farmers Market Pavilion
The Friends of the Kingsport Public Library & Archives are hosting Bristol Lightning for the final concert of the 5th annual Lunchtime Live Concert Series. Led by world-renowned cellist Dave Eggar, the eclectic band combines bluegrass, folk, classical, hip-hop, and tap dance.
Fun Fest Pickleball Tournament
Dates: July 16–18, 2026 | Pickleball Courts at Jack Pierce, Sr. Park at Riverview, Kingsport
The Fun Fest Pickleball Tournament features multiple divisions across three days, including beginner, 55+ mixed doubles, youth 14 & under, intermediate, and advanced brackets. Registration is required.
Details and registration at funfest.net
Fun Fest Medallion Hunt — Presented by Kubota of Kingsport
Dates: July 18–25, 2026 | Locations across Kingsport
One medallion will be hidden each day during Fun Fest, with daily clues released on the Kingsport Fun Fest Facebook and Instagram pages (@KptFunFest). Watch for bonus medallions throughout the week. First clue drops each day at 8:00 AM.
Pink Floyd: Fun Fest in the Planetarium
Date: During Fun Fest 2026 (July 17–25) | Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium, Kingsport
A ticket-required planetarium show set to Pink Floyd music, presented by Bays Mountain Park and the Planetarium Association. Tickets are $10 for members and $15 for non-members (park entrance fee of $7 per vehicle also applies). Tickets available online at FunFest.net or at the Bays Mountain Nature Center.
Tickets and details at funfest.net
Fun Fest Day at the Ballpark
Date: Sunday, July 19, 2026 from 2:00–5:00 PM | Ballad Health Field at Hunter Wright Stadium, 800 Granby Road, Kingsport
A family-friendly event bringing the community together for baseball, music, entertainment, games for kids, and giveaways. Tickets are discounted if purchased at the Fun Fest Store; gate prices are also available.
Rediscover Kingsport Scavenger Hunt
Dates: Daily, July 17–25, 2026 | Downtown Kingsport
A self-paced scavenger hunt inviting participants to explore Downtown Kingsport and identify locations from provided images. Entry forms can be picked up at the Fun Fest Store inside the Kingsport Chamber (400 Clinchfield Street).
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
1970, when the donation helped establish the foundation for what would become one of Kingsport’s distinctive historical attractions.