☀️ Today’s Weather
Friday, March 27, 2026 — Light drizzle. High 71°F, Low 47°F. 30% chance of rain.
😄 Joke of the Day
A tourist stopped a local on Broad Street and asked, “Is Bays Mountain worth the drive up?” The local replied, “Son, we’ve got wolves, otters coming soon, a planetarium, and 25 miles of trails — the only thing NOT worth the drive in Kingsport is the price of gas.”
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: What beloved Kingsport landmark was given to the City of Kingsport in 1969 and sits on 25 acres — hosting everything from Easter Egg Rolls to Fun Fest events?
Answer: Allandale Mansion!
🔝 Top Stories
Bays Mountain Park Mourns the Loss of Gray Wolf Ela
Bays Mountain Park in Kingsport has announced the passing of one of its beloved gray wolves, Ela. According to WJHL, Ela had been under veterinary evaluation for a condition affecting her right eye, and further diagnostics at the University of Tennessee’s Veterinary Medical Center revealed concerning changes in her lungs that appeared terminal in nature. Born in Minnesota in 2014, Ela arrived at Bays Mountain Park as a young pup and quickly became a fan favorite, known as the “howl starter” who would lead the pack in howls. She was affectionately called the “pack princess” because the male wolves would wait to finish eating before gifting their remaining food to her. Park Manager Megan Krager expressed deep gratitude for the community’s love and support, saying the park’s staff, volunteers, and guests would deeply miss her.
Bays Mountain Park Breaks Ground on New River Otter Habitat
The City of Kingsport held a groundbreaking ceremony at Bays Mountain Park on March 11 for an exciting new river otter habitat. As reported by Bays Mountain Park, the roughly 2,300-square-foot habitat will be located east of the Nature Center, just below the bobcat habitat, and will feature ADA-accessible design along with a close-up underwater viewing area and a modern filtration system. The new habitat can accommodate three river otters — a welcome return, as the park has been without otters since its last one, Otto, passed away in 2019. The project costs approximately $2.4 million and is funded in part by a state of Tennessee grant and a corporate sponsorship from Eastman Chemical Company. Construction is scheduled to take approximately 18 months, during which time park officials will begin acquiring river otters for the new home.
Kingsport Cultural Arts Announces Return of the Iron Pour at ARTS Festival
Kingsport Cultural Arts is bringing back one of the city’s most spectacular artistic events — the Iron Pour — set to take place on April 18 during the third annual Kingsport ARTS Festival. The Kingsport Times News reports that sculptor Joe Bigley and a team of master sculptors will heat 500 pounds of iron to 3,000 degrees and pour the molten metal into custom sand molds made by participants during a series of preparatory workshops. The festival itself runs from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 18 in the 100 block of Shelby Street in downtown Kingsport, and will feature artist demonstrations, free activities, arts vendors, and live performances. Scratch mold workshops are being held at the Inventor Center (118 Shelby St.) throughout April and cost $23 per person. The event is open to ages 18 and up, with children ages 6–17 welcome if accompanied by an adult.
Kingsport to Launch New Customer Information System for Utility Billing
The City of Kingsport has announced it will soon launch a new Customer Information System (CIS) to modernize the way residents manage their utility accounts. According to the city’s official news release, the new system will replace the city’s aging platform and introduce faster service, clearer bills, and more payment options — including a new online portal and mobile tools. The system is scheduled to go live on April 27, and residents should be aware that current billing services will enter maintenance mode after close of business on April 23 through the morning of April 27 to allow for a smooth data transfer. City CFO Travis Bishop noted that “customer service remains a top priority” and expressed confidence the new CIS will be a significant improvement. Residents needing assistance during the transition can call 423-343-9860.
LampLight Theatre Presents Easter Musical “No Ordinary Man”
Kingsport’s award-winning LampLight Theatre is currently staging its Easter production, “No Ordinary Man: The Story of the Passion of Christ,” running through April 12. WJHL reports that the Easter musical features nearly 100 local actors supported by 50 additional volunteers, depicting the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. Performances are held at the theater at 140 Broad St., with shows on Friday and Saturday evenings at 7 p.m., Saturday matinees at 2 p.m., and Sunday matinees at 3 p.m. Admission is a suggested donation — $15 for adults, $12 for seniors, $10 for students, and free for children ages 5 and under, with group rates also available. For reservations, contact the LampLight Theatre Box Office at (423) 343-1766 or visit www.lamplighttheatre.com.
Registration Open for Spring 2026 Miracle League of Kingsport
The Miracle League of Kingsport is now accepting registrations for its spring 2026 baseball season, giving athletes of all abilities the chance to experience America’s favorite pastime. The City of Kingsport’s website explains that the league removes barriers for children and adults with mental and physical disabilities by using a custom rubberized turf field at Brickyard Park that accommodates wheelchairs and other assistive devices. Athletes can register for two divisions — ages 17 and under, or ages 18 and older — and games are played on Saturdays at 10 a.m. (youth) and 11 a.m. (adults). Last year, more than 140 athletes participated in the league, and participation is free of charge. To register, visit kingsporttn.gov and click the CivicRec link, or search for “miracle league” in the app.
📅 Upcoming Events
LampLight Theatre: “No Ordinary Man” (Ongoing through April 12)
Dates/Times: Now through Sunday, April 12, 2026 — Fri/Sat evenings at 7 p.m., Sat matinees at 2 p.m., Sun matinees at 3 p.m.
Location: LampLight Theatre, 140 Broad St., Kingsport, TN
Kingsport’s LampLight Theatre is presenting its Easter musical production featuring nearly 100 local actors and 50 volunteers. The show depicts the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ through original storytelling. Admission is by suggested donation; children 5 and under are free.
2nd Annual Spring Social at Kingsport Farmers Market
Date/Time: Saturday, April 4, 2026 at 11:00 AM
Location: Kingsport Farmers Market, Kingsport, TN
The Kingsport Farmers Market hosts its 2nd Annual Spring Social, a community gathering celebrating the start of the spring season. Come enjoy local vendors, fresh finds, and a lively community atmosphere as the market kicks off the warmer months.
Annual Easter Egg Roll at Allandale Mansion
Date/Time: Monday, April 13, 2026, 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Location: Allandale Mansion (front lawn), Kingsport, TN
Kingsport Parks and Recreation hosts its beloved annual Easter Egg Roll on the front lawn of the historic Allandale Mansion. The free event is open to children ages 10 and under and includes an egg hunt, a festive bonnet contest, arts and crafts tables, children’s games, and a visit from the Easter Bunny for photo opportunities. Pre-registration is encouraged via the CivicRec link at kingsporttn.gov.
Kingsport ARTS Festival 2026 (with Iron Pour)
Date/Time: Saturday, April 18, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: 100 Block of Shelby Street, Downtown Kingsport, TN
The third annual Kingsport ARTS Festival returns to downtown Kingsport, featuring the spectacular Iron Pour with sculptor Joe Bigley, along with glassblowing, chalk art, tie-dye, gallery crawls, live performances, and over a dozen local and regional art vendors. The event is free and family-friendly, presented by Kingsport Cultural Arts and Engage Kingsport. Pre-registration is required for Iron Pour workshops held at the Inventor Center in April.
Exchange Place Spring Garden Fair 2026
Dates/Times: Saturday, April 25, 2026, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Sunday, April 26, 2026, 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Exchange Place Living History Farm, 4812 Orebank Rd., Kingsport, TN 37664
The 40th annual Spring Garden Fair at Exchange Place is the oldest garden fair in the region. Visitors can browse thousands of plants for sale — including perennials, annuals, herbs, natives, and heirloom varieties — while watching heritage farm demonstrations such as sheep shearing, wool spinning, and butter making. Traditional music, food, children’s activities, and a Cold Process Soap Workshop round out the festivities. Admission is $5 for guests over 12; free for children under 12.