☀️ Today’s Weather
Overcast skies today with a high of 62°F and a low of 47°F. Just a 1% chance of rain — a fine Saturday to get outside.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Bays Mountain is celebrating its 55th birthday this month, and somehow the wolves, the otters, the planetarium, and the reservoir barge all still feel like they belong on the same property.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The Kingsport Axmen play their home games at a stadium that has been the heartbeat of local baseball for generations in the Model City. What is the name of that stadium, and what Appalachian frontier figure — closely tied to Kingsport history — inspired the team’s “Axmen” nickname?
Answer: The Kingsport Axmen play their home games at Hunter Wright Stadium. The “Axmen” nickname is a reference to frontiersman Daniel Boone, who began the Wilderness Road in Kingsport — a nod to the axmen who helped blaze that famous trail into the frontier.
🔝 Top Stories
Kingsport Soldier Killed in Korean War Finally Laid to Rest — 75 Years Later
In a deeply moving ceremony, a Kingsport soldier who was killed during the Korean War and had been missing for 75 years was recently buried in the Tri-Cities. The community gathered to honor his memory and welcome him home after more than seven decades. The story was covered in both photos and written tributes highlighting what his return means to the region.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
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Kingsport Axmen Rename Home Field to Ballad Health Field
The Kingsport Axmen recently announced a new partnership that resulted in the renaming of their home playing field to Ballad Health Field. The Axmen, who play at Hunter Wright Stadium in the Appalachian League, unveiled the new name as part of an agreement with the regional health system. The 2026 season is set to open at home on June 4 against the Burlington Sock Puppets.
Bays Mountain Park & Planetarium Celebrating 55 Years This Month
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is marking a major milestone — 55 years of serving the Kingsport community — throughout the month of May 2026. Opened in 1971, the park is the largest city-owned park in Tennessee and draws more than 150,000 visitors each year. The city is inviting the community to help celebrate this anniversary throughout the month.
Kingsport Awarded $25,000 Tennessee America 250 Grant
The City of Kingsport has been awarded a $25,000 Tennessee America 250 grant from the Tennessee Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial. The funds will be used as part of Tennessee’s America 250 celebration, with Kingsport contributing to the statewide commemoration of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary. For details on how the grant will be used, visit the city’s website.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Sullivan County Mayoral Race Campaign Spending Tops $250K
Combined campaign spending in the Sullivan County mayoral race is approaching — and may have surpassed — $250,000, not counting expenditures by political action committees. The competitive race is heading into its final stretch with Election Day on May 5. Voters have already had the opportunity to cast ballots during the early voting period.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Downtown Kingsport to Host ‘Shop & Hop’ on May 7
Downtown Kingsport is gearing up to host its popular monthly “Shop & Hop” event on May 7. The evening shopping event invites residents to explore local downtown businesses, with participating shops offering sales and special offers. It’s a great opportunity to support small businesses and enjoy everything downtown Kingsport has to offer.
📅 Upcoming Events
Sullivan County Election Day — May 5, 2026
Election Day for the Sullivan County mayoral primary and other local races is Tuesday, May 5, 2026. Polls will be open at standard hours for registered voters in Sullivan County. Make sure you’re ready to cast your vote.
Read more at Kingsport Times News
Downtown Kingsport Shop & Hop — May 7, 2026
The monthly Shop & Hop event returns to downtown Kingsport on Thursday, May 7. Local shops will offer sales and specials during the evening shopping event. Check with downtown businesses for specific hours and participating locations.
Bays Mountain Park 55th Anniversary Celebrations — Throughout May 2026
Bays Mountain Park and Planetarium is celebrating its 55th anniversary throughout May 2026. The park, which opened in 1971, is the largest city-owned park in Tennessee. Community members are invited to join in the month-long celebration. Visit the Bays Mountain website for details on scheduled events.
Kingsport Axmen Home Opener — June 4, 2026
The Kingsport Axmen will open their 2026 Appalachian League home season on Thursday, June 4, with a three-game series against the Burlington Sock Puppets at Hunter Wright Stadium (now home to Ballad Health Field). The 48-game regular season runs through July 30, featuring 24 home games. Season tickets and group outings are available — contact the Axmen front office for more information.
Fun Fest 2026 — July 4–July 25, 2026
Kingsport’s beloved summer festival, Fun Fest, returns for 2026 beginning July 4 and running through July 25. The annual event draws visitors from across the region for concerts, competitions, and community celebrations. Stay tuned to funfest.net for the full schedule of events and activities.
Read more at VisitKingsport.com