Fun Fest events you should be checking out

Fun Fest is almost upon us and if you’ve lived in our region for more than 10 minutes, chances are you’ve heard about the week-long community celebration that takes place every year in Kingsport.

Nine days of special events, rockin’ concerts, and memorable activities taking place from one end of town to the other.

Over the past 40 years, Fun Fest has become one of the largest and best attended events in our region, drawing in thousands of people, not only from the greater Tri-Cities area, but also from states far away.

This year’s celebration includes all the usual events such as the concerts, the Taste, the Crazy 8’s road race, the parade and fireworks display. All of these have stood the test of time and need no explanation.

But what about events that are new this year or activities you may have missed while browsing the Fun Fest calendar? Here are a few events taking place next week during Fun Fest that you may want to consider attending.

And who knows, it might become a new tradition for you and your family.

Big Lon’s Vinyl Record Expo

If you’re a lover of all things vinyl, then have we got an event for you. Big Lon’s Vinyl Record Expo will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on July 17 at the Kingsport Civic Auditorium. The event is organized by Lonnie Salyer, a vinyl record expert and host of “Diggin’ with Big Long” on WBCM radio.

Expect to find hundreds of 33s and 45s and even some 78s among vinyl vendors and collectors from across the southern United States. You’ll have a chance to dig through the collections to find that one gem you’ve been long searching for. Plus, you’ll have the chance to shop for vinyl memorabilia and other kinds of related merchandise.

Fun Fest Director Emily Thompson said this event is new to Fun Fest this year. “There’s going to be 18 to 25 vendor tables with plenty of 33s, 45s and some 78s, plus all things related to records,” Thompson said. “Vinyl records have made such a comeback in interest so this is going to be a neat way to see that at Fun Fest.”

Allandale Family Picnic

Allandale Mansion has hosted numerous Fun Fest events over the years, most notably the Allandale Family Picnic. This year, the picnic has returned on July 17, but the popular event has been expanded to include more activities for teenagers and music from a contemporary Christian band.

Activities start at 3 p.m. that day with a food truck rally and soon after with music by Awaken Ministries. Old time games and inflatables will be on hand for the younger children, while the U.S. Army will have its virtual reality trailer on site for the older kids and teenagers.

Gellyball (which is like paintball but without the stains and hurt) will take place from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. During those same hours, croquet will be played and mansion tours will be offered to anyone who wants to walk through the historic mansion.

Downtown Street Fair

Another popular, returning event that’s been beefed up this year is the Downtown Street Fair on July 16. Thompson said the fair has grown to encompass five different events, including the Inventor’s Center’s #Made in Kingsport event.

Made in Kingsport will be held in the 100 block of Shelby Street from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and feature vendor displays and hands-on demonstrations of robotics, wood working, metal working and other creative ventures.

“It’s a rebirth of what was the Maker Faire in year’s past,” Thompson said. You’ll also be able to enjoy street performers, aerial trapeze, Irish step dancing, musicians, international exhibits and a variety of ethnic and traditional food trucks during the Downtown Street Fair.

The schedule of the day’s activities is as follows:

• Busking Around the World (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on Market Street.
  
• Chalk Walk (8 a.m. to 1 p.m.) on Broad Street.
  
• Touch-A-Truck (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on Main Street.
  
• Days Gone By – Old Tyme Games (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.) on Main Street.
  
  

Other Events

• The Fun Fest Pet Dog Show will take place on July 18 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Allandale Mansion. Pre-registration is required and can be done at the Fun Fest store (in the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce). Cost is only $1 per dog.
  
• Farm Fest is back this year on July 17 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Exchange Place Living History Farm. Step back into the 19 th century and enjoy fresh summer food, sack races, hayrides, and cakewalks. Listen to music on traditional instruments, pet the farm animals, and try your hand at old time crafts.
  
• A double elimination Wiffleball Tournament will take place at the Sandlot Wiffleball Park in Gray the week of Fun Fest with the finals held at Kingsport Miracle Field on July 21. The tournament is for kids ages 15 and under and the cost is $20 per team.

Fun Fest kicks off with a parade at 6:30 p.m. on July 15 and concludes with a fireworks display following the Lynyrd Skynyrd concert on July 23. For more information or to register for events, go to www.funfest.net.