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July 17th - 19th
The summer festival commonly known as
Kingsport Fun Fest began in the fall of 1980 when Kingsport Chamber
staff and board members conducted their annual weekend retreat to
discuss matters of paramount importance. At this time, the staff and
board found numerous situations that tended to divide the community--
ranging from political issues (such as annexation, liquor by the drink,
etc.) to extreme and unhealthy rivalries among local high schools.
Noting these concerns, the group sought to create a program that would
build a more positive attitude about the Kingsport community and a more
friendly nature among its residents.
In 1981, founders stated an original theme of
"Community Unity." Fun Fest's sole objective was "to promote unity,
harmony, fellowship, and cooperation among people in the greater
Kingsport Area . . . If tourist attraction and/or economic development
benefits accrue, this is desirable; however, promotion of Fun Fest
should not be conducted with those objectives primarily in mind." In
addition to this objective, all events (to the extent possible) should
be free of charge or at a low coast, and open to the general public.
Events should also be appealing to all age groups, and to people with
varying interests.
In short, Fun Fest was created as an effort to
unite Kingsport residents, to help foster a belief that Kingsport is a
caring community that is a good place to live and to work, and to
provide numerous opportunities for people to congregate and become
acquainted while appealing to their interests in culture, athletics,
arts and entertainment.
The last weekend of Fun Fest the community
hosts a Hot Air Balloon festival in conjunction with all of the other
activities held in the streets of downtown Kingsport. |
