☀️ Today’s Weather
Partly cloudy. High 89°F, Low 64°F. 0% chance of rain.
😄 Only in Kingsport
Kingsport has a fire department that’s been internationally accredited since 2001 and just earned its sixth consecutive accreditation — which is exactly the kind of thing locals hear about with quiet pride and immediately forget to mention to anyone who moves here.
🧠 Trivia Q&A
Question: The very first Fun Fest kicked off on what date?
Answer at the bottom of today’s newsletter.
🔝 Top Stories
🏥 New Cash-Only Primary Care Clinic, Birch Health, Opening in Kingsport
A new cash-only direct primary care clinic called Birch Health is opening in Kingsport this week. Dr. Ben Emery, the owner of Birch Health, said the idea came from both his father’s experience and his own experience working in the traditional healthcare system. The membership-based practice offers unlimited visits, same- or next-day appointments, and no copays, with plans starting at $75/month.
Know a Local Business That Should Be Here?
If you send us a business that becomes a sponsor, we’ll pay you $50 for it. No cap, no catch. Just hit reply with their name and we’ll take it from there. (We still make the final call on fit, same as any other pitch.)
🚒 Kingsport Fire Department Earns Sixth Consecutive CFAI Accreditation
The Kingsport Fire Department has recently achieved its sixth consecutive accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), according to a report published September 8, 2026. This marks a continued streak of nationally recognized excellence for the department. For the full details on this milestone, visit the Times News story linked below.
📚 Testing Data and Strategic Plan Discussed at KCS Board Meeting
The Kingsport City Schools board recently met to discuss testing data and the district’s strategic plan, according to a report published September 8, 2026. The meeting covered academic performance metrics and forward-looking priorities for the school system. Visit the Times News link below for full coverage.
⛺ Camp Firefly Returns to Kingsport to Help Grieving Kids and Families
Camp Firefly recently returned to a Kingsport park to provide support for grieving children and families. The program offers a healing environment for kids and their loved ones who are navigating loss. For more information on the event and how to get involved, see the full story below.
🚵 Kingsport Offering Mountain Biking 101 Course
The City of Kingsport is offering a Mountain Biking 101 course for residents interested in getting started on the trails. The course is designed for beginners looking to learn the basics of mountain biking. Visit the city’s website for registration details and more information.
📅 Upcoming Events
Event details are pulled from public listings and can change. Please confirm dates and times on the official event page before making plans.
🌸 The Pink Bride Wedding and Women’s Expo – Tri-Cities
Sunday, September 13, 2026 | 12:00 PM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
The Pink Bride Wedding and Women’s Expo – Tri-Cities is happening on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 12:00 PM onwards at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport.
🎵 UNSPOKEN Concert
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 7:00 PM
140 Broad St, Kingsport, TN
The UNSPOKEN CONCERT is happening on Thursday, September 17, 2026, from 7:00 PM onwards at 140 Broad St, Kingsport, TN.
👕 SMILE Foster Closet Fall Rummage Sale — Sept 18–19, 2026
Friday, Sept 18, 5:00–7:00 PM | Saturday, Sept 19, 8:00 AM–2:00 PM
Waverly Road Presbyterian Church, 1415 Waverly Rd, Kingsport
A clothing rummage sale benefiting local foster families through SMILE Foster Closet. Clothes are $5 for a stuff-a-bag and shoes are $2 a pair, with sizes from infant to adult. Foster families shop free (check in with a volunteer first). All proceeds go to SMILE Foster Closet.
🧘 Scenic Planetarium Yoga at Bays Mountain
Saturday, September 19, 2026 | 10:00 AM
853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN
Scenic Planetarium Yoga is happening on Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00 AM onwards at 853 Bays Mountain Park Rd, Kingsport, TN.
📖 Tennessee Lit Con 2026
Friday–Saturday, September 25–26, 2026 | Starting 10:00 AM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
The second annual Tennessee Lit Con is a two-day event taking place Friday and Saturday, September 25–26, 2026, at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport, TN, featuring 100 authors, 20 vendors, 5 narrators, and more.
🍂 Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival 2026
Saturday, September 26, 2026 | 10:00 AM
Exchange Place Living History Farm, Kingsport, TN
The Exchange Place Fall Folk Arts Festival, 2026 is happening on Saturday, September 26, 2026, from 10:00 AM onwards at Exchange Place Kingsport TN 1850s Farm.
🎸 Stryper at MeadowView
Saturday, October 17, 2026 | 6:00 PM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
Stryper is happening on Saturday, October 17, 2026, from 6:00 PM onwards at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport. Visit the event page for tickets and details.
🎃 Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics
Friday, October 30, 2026 | 8:45 PM
MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport
Candlelight: A Haunted Evening of Halloween Classics is happening on Friday, October 30, 2026, from 8:45 PM onwards at MeadowView Conference Resort & Convention Center, Kingsport.
🍗 Kingsport Wing Fling — November 5, 2026
Thursday, November 5, 2026
Kingsport Farmers Market
The 8th annual Wing Fling returns to the Kingsport Farmers Market on November 5. Tickets are $20 and available online at KPTWingFling.com or at the Kingsport Chamber (400 Clinchfield Street).
🎄 2nd Annual Hearth & Holiday: A Christmas Market
Saturday, December 19, 2026 | 11:00 AM
Kingsport Farmers Market
The 2nd Annual Hearth & Holiday: A Christmas Market is happening on Saturday, December 19, 2026, starting at 11:00 AM at Kingsport Farmers Market.
🤝 Community Partners
🧠 Trivia Answer
August 8, 1981, marking the beginning of what would become one of the region’s beloved annual summer traditions.