𝐇𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 Friday, Tri-Cities!

The Independence Day holiday is just around the corner, and communities across the Appalachian Highlands are gearing up for a busy week of celebrations, summer activities and important local updates.

In today’s edition, we’re covering Greene County’s new Helene recovery partnership, Johnson City’s free transit days, the region’s 50-year-old farmers market, America 250 celebrations, where to watch fireworks, outdoor adventures, senior resources and plenty of ways to enjoy the week ahead.

Whether you're planning a holiday outing, exploring somewhere new or simply catching up on what's happening around the Tri-Cities, we're glad you're here. Let's dive in.

At what famous Appalachian Trail location can hikers stand with one foot in Tennessee and the other in North Carolina?

Greene County is joining forces with the Cherokee National Forest through a $3.1 million Hurricane Helene recovery agreement to accelerate restoration efforts after recent storm damage.

Leaders from both groups signed the deal at Horse Creek Recreation Area, one of several local sites hit hard by Helene.

The project receives federal funding via the Good Neighbor Authority, a program from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service that supports local and federal collaborations on land, recreation, and infrastructure repairs.

Residents can expect faster rebuilding of damaged public lands, roadways, trails, and key recreation areas as a result.

This unique partnership marks a significant move from quick emergency fixes to more strategic, long-term recovery—vital for the community and the outdoor businesses that rely on Cherokee National Forest.

Regas Bros Seasoning

Tri-Cities, Tenn./Va. will shine with festive spirit as Independence Day approaches, offering families a host of local celebrations packed with fireworks and patriotic fun.

Johnson City hosts its 40th Pepsi Independence Day Celebration at Freedom Hall Civic Center on July 4, featuring food trucks, children’s activities, vendors, and a live concert by Shenandoah. Fireworks and a lights show will follow at 10 p.m.

Bristol kicks off its Stars and Stripes Celebration with a parade along State Street at 5 p.m., then continues at Anderson Park with music, food, and a stunning fireworks display.

Elizabethton’s festivities at Covered Bridge Park include live music, inflatables, patriotic activities, the city’s biggest fireworks show, and a new parade marking America’s 250th anniversary.

Kingsport’s main fireworks happen July 25, as part of Fun Fest, wrapping up concerts and community events. Arrive early and check local updates for event details.

Johnson City Plans 40th Pepsi Independence Day Fireworks Celebration

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Johnson City’s Pepsi Independence Day Celebration returns to Freedom Hall Civic Center on Saturday, July 4, marking the event’s 40th year.

The free community celebration will include food trucks, children’s activities, Touch-A-Truck, vendor booths, live music and a fireworks show. This year’s event also coincides with America’s 250th anniversary.

Food trucks open at 3 p.m., with kids’ activities and Touch-A-Truck beginning at 4 p.m. Live music starts at 6 p.m. with Noah Spencer, followed by Carson Peters & Iron Mountain at 7:10 p.m. and Shenandoah at 8:25 p.m.

The evening will close with the Great American Giveaway drawing at 9:40 p.m., a fireworks introduction at 10 p.m. and Pyro Nova’s “Declaration In The Sky” fireworks, lights and video show at 10:05 p.m.

Guests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. Pop-up tents, personal canopies, outside alcohol, grills and pets are not allowed on the grounds. A beer garden will be available near the pool side of Freedom Hall from 4 to 9:55 p.m.

Because several thousand people typically attend, early arrival is strongly encouraged.

Johnson City Farmers Market Celebrates 50 Years Downtown

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — The Johnson City Farmers Market is celebrating its 50th anniversary season with more vendors, community activities and continued growth downtown.

The market recently marked the milestone with its first Mega Market of the year, bringing regular vendors together with 20 guest vendors and highlighting how the market has grown from a small regional cooperative into a long-running Saturday tradition.

The market is held Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pavilion at Founders Park, 105 W. Main St., and continues through October. Shoppers can find local produce, baked goods, sauces, coffee, art and other locally made products.

For residents, the market is more than a place to buy groceries. It gives small farmers, food vendors and makers a direct connection to customers while adding energy to downtown Johnson City on weekend mornings.

As the 50th season continues, organizers are looking to build on that momentum with expanded offerings and more community-focused market days.

TEDxJohnson City Returns to ETSU Martin Center

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — TEDxJohnson City returned Friday, June 26, bringing local ideas, regional voices and community-focused conversations to the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.

The independent, community-led event began in Johnson City in 2023 and is designed to highlight people creating change across Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia. Organizers describe the event as a way to encourage regional pride while bringing more national attention to local ideas through the TEDx platform.

This year’s speakers included Alexandra Battle, Kate Craig, Dr. Sarah Long, David Nelson and Jessica Stollings of Johnson City, along with Joshua Britt of Tucker, Georgia, and Dr. Karah Sprouse of Lebanon, Tennessee. Speakers were selected from more than 100 submissions representing 25 states and two other countries.

The event also featured local artists and performers, adding a creative showcase to the evening’s talks.

For Johnson City, TEDx offers more than a night of speeches. It gives local residents, students, entrepreneurs, artists and civic-minded leaders a platform to share ideas rooted in the Appalachian Highlands while connecting those ideas to a wider audience.

TRI-CITIES, Tenn./Va. is set for a vibrant Independence Day weekend with parades, concerts, fireworks, and community festivities highlighting America’s approaching 250th anniversary.

Johnson City hosts the 40th annual Pepsi Independence Day Celebration at Freedom Hall on Saturday, July 4. The event features afternoon food trucks, children’s activities, Touch-A-Truck, vendor booths, and live music, wrapped up with a large fireworks display after 10 p.m.

Bristol kicks off its Star-Spangled July 4 Parade along State Street at 5 p.m. Families can enjoy live shows, food, games, and a dazzling fireworks finale at Anderson Park.

Kingsport residents are gearing up for Fun Fest later in July, with the new Fun Fest Store open for event registration and gear purchases.

History lovers can catch “Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals” at Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, bringing Revolutionary War stories to life.

From historical reenactments to spectacular fireworks, there’s something for everyone this holiday in the Tri-Cities.

Rodney Crowell to Perform at the Jackson Theatre

JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. — Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell brings his Airline Highway Tour to the Jackson Theatre on Saturday.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. and features one of country music's most respected songwriters, whose career spans more than five decades. Crowell has written or recorded hits including "Shame on the Moon," "After All This Time," and "Earthbound."

The Jackson Theatre continues to attract nationally recognized performers while offering an intimate concert experience in downtown Jonesborough.

Kingsport Ballet Presents Vincent 

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Kingsport Ballet closes its season Satuday with Vincent, an original contemporary ballet inspired by the life and artwork of Vincent van Gogh.

The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. at the ETSU Martin Center for the Arts.

Blending contemporary choreography with visual storytelling, the production explores the artist's creativity, struggles and enduring legacy. The original work showcases local dancers while bringing a fresh interpretation of one of history's most influential painters to the stage.

Johnson City Transit Offers Free Rides Before July 4 Holiday Break

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Johnson City Transit riders can take advantage of two free-ride days before the Independence Day weekend.

The city announced that fixed-route bus service will be free on Wednesday, July 1, and Thursday, July 2. Residents are encouraged to use the service for errands, appointments, work trips, or downtown outings before the holiday schedule begins.

After the free-ride period, Johnson City Transit will suspend all service on Friday, July 3, and Saturday, July 4 for the Independence Day weekend. Normal operations are scheduled to resume Monday, July 6, at 6:15 a.m.

The update is especially important for riders who rely on transit for work, shopping, medical appointments, or holiday plans. Anyone who normally rides on Fridays or Saturdays should make alternate transportation arrangements for July 3–4.

Riders can check transit updates by calling 423-929-7119. To receive Johnson City Transit mobile alerts, text 77948 and enter JCTS.

Fun Fest Store Now Open as Kingsport Prepares for Summer Celebration

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Planning to attend Fun Fest this July? Now is a good time to get ready.

The Fun Fest Store is now open inside the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, giving residents a convenient place to register for events, purchase merchandise and pick up information before the annual celebration begins.

Many Fun Fest activities are free, but several popular events require advance registration or tickets and can fill quickly. The store also offers official Fun Fest apparel, souvenirs and event guides to help visitors plan their schedules.

Fun Fest, now in its 45th year, features more than a week of concerts, family activities, sporting events, outdoor recreation and community celebrations across Kingsport.

The Fun Fest Store is located at the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, 400 Clinchfield Street, and is open during regular business hours. Residents can also find event schedules, registration information and updates at FunFest.net.

Whether you're a longtime attendee or planning your first Fun Fest, stopping by the store is an easy way to make the most of one of Kingsport's signature summer traditions.

Senior Shuttle Available for Johnson City’s July 4 Celebration

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. — Older adults planning to attend Johnson City’s 40th Pepsi Independence Day Celebration can take advantage of a free shuttle service offered through Johnson City Senior Services.

The shuttle will operate between the Johnson City Senior Center and Freedom Hall Civic Center, helping seniors avoid long walks from parking areas while making it easier to enjoy the day’s festivities. The celebration features live music, food trucks, family activities and one of the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks shows. 

Space on the shuttle may be limited, so riders are encouraged to contact Johnson City Senior Services for pickup times and additional details before July 4.

The annual celebration begins during the afternoon and concludes with fireworks shortly after 10 p.m.

Kingsport Senior Center Adds New July Wellness Classes

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Older adults looking to stay active this summer will have two new fitness opportunities at the Kingsport Senior Center beginning in July.

The center is introducing Move & Groove Cardio, a low-impact exercise class, on Wednesday, July 1, from 11 a.m. to noon. The class is designed to help participants improve cardiovascular health, balance and overall fitness in a welcoming group setting.

Later in the month, SilverSneakers Chair Yoga begins on Thursday, July 16. The class uses seated and standing movements to improve flexibility, strength and mobility while providing a gentle option for participants of varying fitness levels.

Both programs are part of the Kingsport Senior Center's ongoing effort to promote healthy, active lifestyles for adults age 50 and older. In addition to fitness classes, the center offers social activities, educational programs, arts, games and wellness opportunities throughout the year.

Residents interested in participating can contact the Kingsport Senior Center for registration information, class availability and membership details.

Interesting Facts

BRISTOL, Tenn./Va. — Paramount Bristol stands as a vibrant symbol of the city’s rich music heritage and cultural life.

Since opening in 1931, the historic Art Deco theatre has been lovingly restored and transformed into a hub for live music, comedy shows, films, and community gatherings.

The iconic marquee shines brightly on State Street, uniting Bristol’s Tennessee and Virginia sides and welcoming both locals and visitors.

Families, couples, and music fans flock to the Paramount for memorable nights out, making it a cornerstone of downtown’s growing energy long after traditional business hours.

This preserved landmark showcases how a proud history can power a thriving, modern arts scene in the heart of Bristol.

ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. The renowned outdoor drama Liberty! The Saga of Sycamore Shoals has returned to Sycamore Shoals State Historic Park, captivating audiences at the Fort Watauga Amphitheater.

This annual event immerses visitors in the story of the Overmountain Men, frontier settlers who assembled at Sycamore Shoals in 1780 before their pivotal march to the Battle of Kings Mountain, a turning point in the Southern Revolutionary War.

Set against the scenic Watauga River and reconstructed Fort Watauga, the production features live acting, music, and authentic period costumes, creating a unique historical experience under the stars.

Families, tourists, and history enthusiasts can spend a memorable evening reliving Northeast Tennessee’s rich heritage in the very place it happened.

Visitors are encouraged to check performance dates and weather updates before planning their trip.

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Bays Mountain After Dark Offers a Cooler Way to Enjoy the Park

KINGSPORT, Tenn. — Bays Mountain Park is a strong summer pick for families looking to enjoy the outdoors without spending the entire day in the heat.

During the summer season, the park grounds are open until 8 p.m., giving visitors extra time for evening walks, lake views and wildlife watching after temperatures begin to ease. The Nature Center remains open until 6 p.m. during summer hours.

The later park schedule makes Bays Mountain a practical option for after-work outings, relaxed family walks, or a quieter evening visit before sunset. Visitors can explore shaded trails, stop by the reservoir, check out animal habitats, or plan around planetarium and nature programs.

Bays Mountain has also hosted “Park After Dark” and other evening-style programs in the past, including guided hikes, night nature activities and barge rides. Guests should check the park’s current event calendar before going, since special programs may require tickets or advance registration.

For families trying to beat the heat, an evening visit can be a simple way to enjoy one of Kingsport’s signature outdoor destinations without committing to a full day outside.

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Carvers Gap on Roan Mountain.