Editing Kingsport, Tennessee (section)

===Annual festivals===
Fun Fest, Kingsport's annual community unity themed festival, began in 1981 and lasts for nine days in July. Fun Fest has a red and yellow colored sun mascot named Festus. An estimated 100,000 people attend Fun Fest annually. The annual Fun Fest celebration usually has a parade, hot air balloons, fireworks, concerts, block parties, and other events.<ref>{{Cite web |last=visitkport2021 |date=July 9, 2019 |title=July in Kingsport Means It's Finally Fun Fest Time! |url=https://visitkingsport.com/july-in-kingsport-means-its-finally-fun-fest-time/ |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=Visit Kingsport |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Cline |first=Ashley |date=March 5, 2025 |title=Fun Fest Wins Festival of the Year, Santa's Depot Recognized at the 2025 Southeast Festivals and Events Association's Kaleidoscope Awards |url=https://funfest.net/fun-fest-wins-festival-of-the-year/ |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=Fun Fest |language=en-US}}</ref>

The Santa Train, is an annual Christmas celebration which is currently operated by [[CSX Transportation|CSX]], takes place on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Kingsport is the final stop of the Santa Train, which begins its journey in Kentucky. Volunteers aboard the train hand out winter clothes, backpacks, and toys to children at each stop. The festival originated in Kingsport in 1943, when a group of Kingsport businessmen partnered with the [[Clinchfield Railroad]] to uplift spirits during [[World War II]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=November 27, 2024 |title=Santa Train stops feel especially impactful in wake of Hurricane Helene |url=https://www.newschannel5.com/news/santa-train-stops-feel-especially-impactful-in-wake-of-hurricane-helene |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=News Channel 5 Nashville (WTVF) |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The CSX "Santa Train": A Heartwarming Tradition |url=https://www.american-rails.com/santa.html |access-date=March 8, 2025 |website=American-Rails.com |language=en}}</ref>