The Kingsport Chamber will host the Mack Riddle American Legion 71st Annual Independence Day Parade on Friday, July 4, at 10 a.m.
The parade is hosted by Leadership Kingsport, a program of your Kingsport Chamber. The presenting sponsor of this year’s parade is Brightspeed.
“We are thrilled to announce Brightspeed as the presenting sponsor of this year’s Independence Day parade”, Kingsport Chamber Chief Operations Officer Vanessa Bennett said. “Brightspeed, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing fiber broadband builders, is committed to this important event that brings our community together to celebrate our nation’s independence.”
The parade will start in front of the Kingsport Renaissance Center on Center Street and end in front of the Kingsport Veterans Memorial on Fort Henry Drive.
Each year, your Kingsport Chamber selects a Grand Marshal for the Independence Day Parade—an individual who has gone above and beyond for our community or someone the community wishes to honor in a special way. This year, your Kingsport Chamber is proud to celebrate Lucas Kinney, a brave student from John Adams Elementary, as the Grand Marshal. Lucas has been courageously battling brain and spinal cancer since 2017, facing each challenge with remarkable strength and an unshakable smile. In 2020, plans were in place to help grant his Make-A-Wish request for a superhero-themed celebration, but the pandemic unfortunately put that dream on hold. Even after recently completing another round of radiation, Lucas continues to inspire everyone around him with his positivity and perseverance. He is, without a doubt, a true hometown hero—and we all are honored to recognize his incredible spirit in this year’s parade.
“Brightspeed is honored to be the presenting sponsor of this year’s Independence Day Parade, a beloved tradition that brings the Kingsport community together,” said Lymari Munoz, Brightspeed local marketing manager. “This year is especially meaningful as we celebrate Lucas, a courageous young grand marshal whose strength and spirit inspire us all. It’s moments like these that remind us why we do what we do, helping families, small businesses, and neighbors stay connected and thrive in today’s digital world.”
Any business or organization wishing to enter the parade should call the Kingsport Chamber by phone at (423) 392-8820 or fill out an online application located on the Leadership Kingsport’s Facebook page.