Kingsport celebrates start of Fun Fest with annual Downtown Street Fair

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) – Day two of Fun Fest kicked off Saturday in Kingsport with the annual Downtown Street Fair. According to Robin Cleary, senior Director of the Downtown Kingsport Association, the event is never the same year after year.

“It grows every single year,” Cleary said. “It is personally my favorite event at Fun Fest because it just brings out a cross-section of people.”

The event also featured live performances on the Downtown Stage, international exhibits and tents set up by local businesses. Over 40 participants joined the Downtown Kingsport Association for this event. Cleary said this showcases the variety within the region.

“If you look at all of the Kids Zone vendors,” said Cleary. “The performers, the stage performers, the street performers, the artists that are out here. It celebrates the diversity we have in our region.”

Some local businesses left their shops in other parts of the city to set up at the Street Fair. The Clay Gurus is a pottery shop located on Shelby Street, but had a display in the downtown area. Owner Jacob Vitums said his business gets a lot of exposure throughout the Fun Fest season.

“It’s more foot traffic for Downtown Kingsport,” said Vitums. “Which is ultimately the goal. And a lot of people aren’t even aware that a lot of these downtown businesses exist.”

Local popcorn store Cornucopia is experiencing its first Fun Fest since moving to the Downtown area.

“It’s been super busy,” said Mindy Fore, owner of Cornucopia. “We’ve had a lot of new customers and a lot of returning customers coming to see our new space.”

During the event, Kingsport experienced some rain, but that didn’t stop anyone from having fun.

“I think rain or shine, southerners are going to show up to an event and make it the best that they can,” said Vitums.

As part of the Fun Fest celebration, the Clay Gurus are hosting a special class so visitors can learn how to make their own Festus keepsake.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.