Fun Fest awarded by Southwest Festivals and Event Association

KINGSPORT — Kingsport's Fun Fest and related events were honored at the 2026 Southeast Festival and Events Association's Kaleidoscope Awards Gala last week. The gala was part of the association's annual conference, which was held this year in Tupelo, Mississippi. A recent release states 187 applicants from across the southeast entered in 20 different categories. Fun Fest's Hot Air Balloon Rally received the gold award for "Best Event Within An Event," the release states. The event drew around 25,000 people to see the 18 featured hot air balloons last year. Marsh Regional Blood Center's donation drive held in conjunction with the rally garnered more than 130 blood donations through the Saturday balloon drive. Fun Fest was given the bronze award for "Best Festival or Event." The release states Fun Fest welcomed more than 100,000 visitors from 32 states in 2025. "We are blessed to live in a community and region that continues to support a festival of this size," Emily Thompson, Visit Kingsport's director of Fun Fest and special events, said in the release. "We are honored to see Fun Fest and the Hot Air Balloon Rally recognized as they both truly reflect Kingsport's community spirit." Awards were judged based on description of the event, budget and profit/loss statement, estimated number of attendees, if it was environmental and/or pet friendly and community reviews/feedback. Attendance growth, pioneering marketing and superior promotional efforts are all influence factors. "The Kaleidoscope Awards celebrate the passion and innovation that power our industry," SFEA Board Chair Amy Doherty said in the release. "These organizations are not just producing events. They are creating experiences that leave lasting impressions on their communities and raise the standard for excellence across the Southeast."