An inspirational story of one man’s dream to bring a traditional carousel to the Model City has now been published and is available for order.

“The Kingsport Carousel – A Flight of Imagination Given Wings by a Community” is a 164-page hardcover book that tells the seven-year journey of how the Kingsport Carousel became a reality, from its initial idea to its grand opening.

The six-chapter book tells the story of how the late Gale Joh pitched the idea of bringing a carousel to Kingsport, the years long process volunteers took to assemble and create the ride to the final attraction we enjoy today.

In addition to the story, the book includes hundreds of photographs from every step of the project, along with a timeline of milestones, information about the riding animals, chariots and sweep animals, biographies on the carvers, a glossary of carousel terms and details on how a carousel works.

You can order a copy of the book online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/466012023507 or at the Kingsport Carousel (350 Clinchfield Street) or during this weekend’s Christmas Connection event at the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center (Nov. 11-12 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.). The cost is $75 per copy and all proceeds go to the Kingsport Carousel Endowment Fund.

The free event will be held in a new, larger location

Christmas Connection – the annual celebration of the region’s best arts and crafts vendors – is returning to Kingsport this year…and in a new location.

This year, the 43th annual Christmas Connection will be held in the main convention hall at the Meadowview Conference Resort and Convention Center (1901 Meadowview Parkway). The free event will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Nov. 11-12 and is sponsored by the Kingsport Office of Cultural Arts.

“Whether you’ve been enjoying the Christmas Connection for years or are trying it out for the first time, this artisan and craft fair has something for you,” said Hannah Powell, cultural arts program coordinator for the city.

Christmas Connection offers a variety of unique gifts just in time for the holiday season. Just some of the items available include country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods and more.

Local food trucks will be set up outside the convention center, while just inside you’ll find the Connection Café and booths by the Kingsport Ballet – all guaranteed to satisfy anyone’s taste buds.

For more information on the Christmas Connection event, visit www.EngageKingsport.com or call 423-392-8414.