Fun Fest 45: What to expect at this year's celebration

Fun Fest is a staple of summertime celebration across Kingsport.The annual event, which has brought a sense of community through activities, shows, concerts and more since 1981, returns for a special 45th anniversary celebration July 18-26.What began with a theme of "Community Unity" now brings that same sense of local excitement back to the region."We're very excited that Fun Fest is celebrating its 45th anniversary. It's a very big accomplishment when looking at an event its size, 45 years later. It's a testimony to its community, and a testament to the Kingsport spirit," said Emily Thompson, director of Fun Fest and special events.The 45th edition of Fun Fest has a series of pre-kickoff events, starting with the official Fun Fest Block Party Weekend. Additionally, the Miss Kingsport and Miss Sullivan County Scholarship Pageant will be held on Saturday, July 12, from 7-10 p.m. A Patriotic Tribute is planned at Lamplight Theatre Sunday, July 13, from 3-5 p.m.On Monday, July 14, James and Rhonda Rucker will bring historical, musical and storytelling performances to the Renaissance Arts Center. The traveling couple will perform their uniquely entertaining "America in Crisis: The Civil War Years."Fun Fest kicks off in earnest Friday, July 18, with several events including an early morning "Pickle in the Park" pickleball contest, Lunchtime Live concert featuring the ETSU Bluegrass band, and the Fun Fest Parade from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Following the parade, Broad Street Boogie will take place from 8-10 p.m., and the Kingsport Speedway will host "Fun Fest Goes to the Races," a NASCAR style racing event from 8:30-11:30 p.m."It's exciting to see that this year brings the most events we have had, a lot of new sponsors. I encourage everyone to see many events such as Showtime, a classic favorite making its return. Our hope is that there is something for everybody," said Thompson. "This year is a neat one, even if you are someone who says they hate crowds. There are so many events, especially small ones, those that do not have crowds. Don't just look at those big events. It's really the small ones that make Fun Fest what it's all about, exploring and celebrating the spirit of Kingsport through 'community unity.'"New events this year include a youth football camp that will be held from 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 19. Hosted by former Dobyns-Bennett and current ETSU football player Charlie Browder, the event is described as a "morning of football." Registration is free, with the first 100 kids receiving an exclusive T-shirt. The event will be held at the Boys and Girls Club of Kingsport.Other July 19 events include a "Hot Dog Eating Contest" from noon to 12:30 p.m. and the return of a Fun Fest classic: "Showtime 2025: A Spectacular Musical Celebration," featuring talented, multi-generational cast members of adults, teens and children.The event will feature country classics, heartfelt gospels and summertime hits from the discography of Taylor Swift. "Showtime" tickets will be available at the Fun Fest store and at the door. The event is scheduled to take place at 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. at the Northeast Community College Ballad Health Center for the Performing Arts.Closing out the first Saturday of fun will be the "Fun Fest Night at the Ballpark." The event will be held at 800 Granby Road inside Hunter Wright Stadium, as the Kingsport Axemen take on the Danville Otterbots. Admission will be $5 if bought from the Fun Fest store, located within the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce at 400 Clinchfield St.Sunday is funday, and Fun Fest plans to bring just that. Join families and friends at the GellyBall Allandale Picnic from 3-6 p.m. on July 20. GellyBalls are safe, biodegradable alternatives to paintball and Nerf play guns. The event will feature tours of the Allandale Mansion, in addition to a Food Truck and Croquet at Allandale.If adventure calls, but the water stalls, then the Kayak Clinic 101 may be the Fun Fest event for you. This specialized event will cost $10 and be held at Warriors Path State Park. The class itself will be all about flat water kayaking, from the basics of watercraft entry, kayaking safety and more. The class will be taught by a team of professionals, with limited spots available. The event will be from 5-7 p.m.End the night with lights, swimming and an enjoyable time. The Fun Fest Pool Party, with a $5 entry fee, will be held from 7:30-10:30 p.m. at 1820 Meadowview Parkway in Kingsport at the Kingsport Aquatic Center.Throughout the week of events, a long-running favorite, "The Taste," returns. The event will offer 15 different vendor culinary options, from pizza and BBQ to seafood and ice cream. This alcohol-free event will be held July 23-26 from 4-9 p.m. at 1625 Fort Henry Drive. Select vendors will be open for breakfast during the Hot Air Balloon Rally on Saturday morning, July 26.Gamers from across the region can rejoice. Starting at 10 a.m. on July 24, the midpoint of Fun Fest brings a Fortnite E-Sports Tournament. Preregistration is required. The $10 entry fee event will be held at the V.O. Dobbins Sr. Complex, 301 Louis St. in Kingsport.As the final week of the summertime fun ends, Fun Fest promises to keep going until the last second. The final weekend of festivities will feature the popular Sunset Concert Series. This year's lineup includes:• Thursday, July 24 — Tauren Wells with opener We Are Messengers.• Friday, July 25 — Bret Micheals (of Poison) with opener Edwin McCain.• Saturday, July 26 — Brad Paisley with opener Avery Anna.All concerts run from 7 to 10 p.m. General admission is $25 per night if purchased before July 17, increasing to $30 on July 18. Each concert will be held inside J. Fred Johnson Stadium.The last day of Fun Fest will be packed, as usual, with favorite events including the Hot Air Balloon Rally and Eastman Fireworks Spectacular. A complete schedule of events is available at funfest.net."I would encourage everyone to check out Fun Fest this year," said Thompson. "We hope for good weather, we owe it to our citizens, our sponsors, and so many others. We could not do it without them, without the support of the community. It takes every department across the city to bring Fun Fest to life, and we cannot wait to celebrate for our 45th anniversary."