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Bristol continues its tradition of Halloween festivities this year on Saturday,
October 28, 2023. Kicking off with Pumpkin Palooza at Downtown Center, children will be able to select and decorate free pumpkins beginning at 9am. From 10am-12pm, the sidewalks will be filled with costumed kids and
families for Trick-or-Treating with Downtown Bristol businesses. In addition to our ongoing annual traditions, we are pleased to announce the Inaugural Downtown Bristol Halloween Parade! The parade will begin at 6:30pm. The
parade route will begin at the municipal lot in front of Bristol TN City Hall (801 Anderson Street) and conclude at the intersection of State Street and Lee Street/5th Street. The route spans approximately 0.5 miles. Parade
registration is now open to businesses, nonprofits, groups, families, marching bands, and more.
The Bristol TN/VA Inaugural Halloween Parade will feature two distinct categories of participants, allowing for diverse and enjoyable experiences for all attendees. Parade entrants will self-categorize their entries as either “Fun
& Festive” or “Scary & Macabre” to indicate the nature of their costumes and performances. Costumes falling under the “Fun & Festive” category are designed to be suitable for all ages, emphasizing creativity, humor, and the
spirit of Halloween without overly scary or frightening elements. The “Scary & Macabre” category delves into the darker and more sinister side of Halloween, featuring haunting costumes inspired by horror, the supernatural, and
the macabre.
For more information on the full schedule of events for the weekend, visit
believeinbristol.org. To register for the parade or find out more, visit www.believeinbristol.org/halloween.
Kingsport Chamber to Host 17th Annual Legislative Cookout: Burgers, Beans and Bills
KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The Kingsport Chamber will host its 17th Annual Legislative Cookout on Thursday, September 7, at 5:30 p.m. at the Kingsport Farmers Market located at 308 Clinchfield Street.
The Kingsport Chamber Legislative Cookout is an opportunity for members to hear an update of this year’s session directly from the Legislators.
“This is a great opportunity to network with our local state legislators and other Kingsport Chamber members in a fun atmosphere,” said Kingsport Chamber Senior Director of Government Relations and Workforce Development Lora Barnett.
The cost to attend is $40 and dinner will be provided. Legislators will don aprons and serve hotdogs and hamburgers as this year’s legislative session is reviewed.
A question-and-answer session will also be included as part of this program.
Attendees can register and purchase tickets here.
“Don’t miss out on the opportunity to be served by those who serve you,” Barnett added.
Invited speakers are Senator Jon Lundberg, Representative John Crawford, Representative Timothy Hill, Representative Bud Hulsey and Comptroller Jason Mumpower.
This event is sponsored by the 2023 Kingsport Chamber Government Relations Event Sponsors: Appalachian Power, AT&T, Ballad Health, BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, BrightRidge, Charter Communications, Creekside Behavioral Health, Domtar Packaging, Eastman, Eastman Credit Union, Horizon Credit Union, Tri-Cities Military Affairs Council.
Food City is the food and beverage sponsor.
For more information, call Madison Greene at (423) 392-8811 or email her at [email protected].
City offices closed for Labor Day holiday
No changes to the garbage/trash routes next week
City offices will be closed on Monday, September 4 for the Labor Day holiday. However, the city will not be adjusting garbage or trash routes next week.
All garbage and trash routes will run as normal during the week of September 4-8.
Kingsport’s demolition landfill will be closed on September 4 and reopen September 5 on its regular schedule.
For more information about sanitation services, please visit www.kingsporttn.gov.
This FREE event is designed to build community and increase interest in physical fitness, as well as, feature vetted, health and wellness-oriented vendors all with information and giveaways for attendees. This family-oriented event will feature a festive atmosphere complete with kids activities, music, mascots, and more!
This event will bring over 1,500 attendees to downtown Kingsport from Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Our goal is to activate individuals and organizations to further achieve their health goals in the coming year. This expo will serve as a venue for educating individuals and organizations to improve their overall wellbeing via 30-plus health and wellness vendors and screeners. These vendors will aid in promoting nutritional value, physical health and mental health.
UVA Wise Band Camp Returns in August
Wise, Va.—It may still be summer but college game days aren’t far away and no halftime would be complete without a talented marching band to entertain Highland Cavalier fans.
That means only one thing—it’s band camp time. The University of Virginia’s College at Wise (UVA Wise) is seeking new or returning student musicians—traditional bass, woodwind and percussion—and color guard members to join the Marching Highland Cavaliers.
Mountain Empire Community College (MECC) students are also welcome and encouraged to join.
UVA Wise’s Marching Highland Cavaliers will hold their band camp from August 4 through 11 on UVA Wise campus. Camp will run each day from 9 a.m until 8 p.m.
The Marching Highland Cavaliers have been keeping sporting events lively and joyful since its inception in 2006. For more information about the MHCS or on any of the ensembles at UVA Wise, please contact Director of Bands, Richard Galyean at [email protected] or call 276-328-0235 or [email protected].
Due to last week’s inclement weather, the Kingsport Parks and Recreation “End of Summer” Bash has been rescheduled for this Saturday (August 5) at the Kingsport Miracle Field (2017 Brickyard Park Drive).
The free event will take place from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. and will include kickball, yard games, free slushes to the first 100 people and more.
Families of all ages are encouraged to come out and enjoy a Saturday evening of outdoor fun and games with your Model City neighbors.
For more information about other Kingsport Parks and Recreation events and programs, visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org or call 423-343-9723.
The live concert series – “August under the Stars” is returning to Allandale Mansion this week with an exciting line-up of Jazz, Blues and Country music performers. Just bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a free outdoor concert with friends and family.
The concerts will take place on August 3, 10 and 17 at the Allandale Amphitheater. Gates open at 5 p.m., craft beer and food will go on sale at 5:30 p.m. and the concert begins at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.
SCHEDULE OF PERFORMERS
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Aug. 3: Sugar Lime Blue
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Aug. 10: The Everly Brothers Experience
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Aug. 17: The Beth Snapp Band
A variety of food trucks will be on for the concert series, with Bays Mountain Brewing, Los Pollitos Loco Tacos, Uptown Cheesesteak Company, Dip’s Ice Cream, and a lemonade stand being set up every week. In addition, Eshta Egyptian Street Food will be set up on August 3 and Baked and Loaded on August 17.
ABOUT THE PERFORMERS
Sugar Lime Blue is an established Nashville group that is redefining Americana, drawing from the three main American stylings of Jazz, Blues, and Country to create a purely unique sound.
Dylan Zmed and his brother Zach are the Everly Brothers Experience, and both are remarkable in their renditions of one of the most renowned musical duets in history.
Beth Snapp is one of the most popular regional artists performing today. She fits around and between folk, bluegrass, pop, early R&B, and jazz to create a unique sound with one purpose – to serve a story.
“August under the Stars” is sponsored by Eastman, Eastman Credit Union, Visit Kingsport, Ballad Health and BAE Systems.
For more information about the concerts visit www.augustunderthestars.com.
The Air & Space Forces Association highlights the fields of aviation, space technologies, and cybersecurity/STEM at the first annual Air/Space/Cyber EXPO. These are fields that are critical to our nation and this event provides information about both civilian and military career options, education, and opportunities for community service.
In addition, regional business, education, government, and non-profit leaders are invited to attend information sessions and discussions with representatives of the Air & Space Forces Association on promoting aviation, space technologies, cybersecurity, and STEM technologies in the region.
The event is free for both visitors and exhibitors and is presented as a community service. The Expo will be held at the Technical Education Complex of Northeast State Community College on Saturday September 9th, 2023.
For more information and to obtain a free ticket, please visit https://bit.ly/ASCEXPO
Employees needed for Kingsport’s summer youth program
The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department needs hard-working teenagers and young adults for its summer youth program. By applying you would earn a little spending money, gain valuable work experience and most importantly you would be helping children stay active and engaged throughout the long summer months.
From now until May, the city is hiring attendants and leaders for its summer youth program. The jobs will run from late May until late July and average 30 to 40 hours per week.
Summer staff will be placed at various site locations across Kingsport and duties will include organizing games and activities, supervising, directing and leading the participants (ages 6 to 12). Outdoor activities will be included in a majority of the program.
Qualifications – You must be at least 16 years old, have experience working with pre-school or school aged children and/or study in the field of recreation, early elementary education, physical fitness, special needs, art, music, drama and/or experience in a related field preferred.
To apply go to www.governmentjobs.com/careers/kingsport.
Season passes now available at Kingsport Aquatic Center
Summer is the season of swimming and now is the perfect time to purchase your season pass for the Kingsport Aquatic Center.
If you’re only planning to visit the Kingsport Aquatic Center during the summer, then have we got a plan for you. Our season pass entitles you to use the indoor pools and outdoor water park during the summer season. The outdoor water park will be open every day from mid-May through Labor Day, weather permitting, then weekends only through the end of September.
Season pass holders also have early access to the Outdoor Water Park 30 minutes before the regular opening time (except Sundays). Season pass prices are as follows:
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$100 |
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$125 |
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$100 |
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$250 ($15/extra person within same household) |
2023 Outdoor Water Park Hours
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Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 a.m. – 7 p.m.
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Wednesday and Saturday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
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Sunday: noon – 6 p.m.
Season passes and memberships can be purchased at www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then select “Aquatic Center” from the list. You can also purchase season passes and memberships in person at the KAC front desk.
To learn more about season pass and membership benefits, call 423-343-9758 or visit swimkingsport.com.
Registration open for Miracle League Fall Season
Registration for the fall season of the Kingsport Miracle League is now open with games beginning August 26.
Kingsport’s Miracle League is for special needs children and young adults who wish to play our nation’s pastime. The games are played at Kingsport’s Miracle Complex (2017 Brickyard Park Drive).
The league has two co-ed divisions: ages 18 and up and ages 17 and under – and the season runs concurrently with the city’s other youth baseball leagues. The city will be accepting new players on opening day: ages 17 and under can register at 10 a.m.; ages 18 and up at noon.
You can register online at the following link – https://bit.ly/3OoNYQ6
The season runs until October 7 with games held every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Games typically run two to three innings or about an hour in length. Jerseys are provided at no cost and there is no fee to participate in the league.
Kingsport’s Miracle Complex has a baseball field about a third of the size of a normal field, and instead of grass or artificial turf, it has a flat, rubberized surface. The mound and all of the bases are flush so wheelchair users and amputees can travel over the surface more easily and safely.
Typically, more than 100 players participate each season in the Kingsport Miracle League.
For more information about Kingsport’s parks and playgrounds, visit kingsportparksandrecreation.org. For more information about Miracle Leagues, visit www.miracleleague.com.
Kingsport takes steps to assist delinquent utility customers
Local nonprofit organization offers assistance for low-income households
The City of Kingsport has partnered with the Upper East Tennessee Human Development Agency (UETHDA) to highlight a temporary emergency program to help low-income families pay overdue water bills.
The program is called the Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) and is administered by UETHDA. LIHWAP is based on a combination of annual income compared to the number of people in your household.
A single person household qualifies if they earn less than $26,469. A household of two qualifies if they earn less than $34,613. A household of three qualifies if they earn less than $42,757. While a household of four qualifies if they earn less than $50,952.
If you qualify for the program, as long as you owe at least $10 on your water bill, you will receive a credit for $250. If your bill exceeds this amount, you may be credited for the larger amount.
If you need immediate assistance due to a cut-off notice, apply in person at the Kingsport Neighborhood Service Center at V.O. Dobbins (301 Louis Street). Please use the south entrance.
You will need to bring a copy of at least one social security card for someone in the home, a copy of a driver’s license or an ID card of the person completing the application, along with proof of income for the last 30 days for everyone in the home over the age of 18.
The LIHWAP program is scheduled to end September 30, 2023. UETHDA has dispensed $365,000 in LIHWAP funds throughout its 8-county service area with $1.3 million remaining.
For more information on applying for utility bill payment assistance, call UETHDA at 423-246-6180.
