Kingsport’s Parks and Recreation Department is hosting a one-day Glow Nerf Battle later this month (February 28) at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street).

The event will take place in two sessions:

• Ages 5 to 10 at 6 p.m.
• Ages 11 and older at 7 p.m.

The cost is $5 per player, and all participants must come prepared for battle with their own personal, single-shot Nerf blaster. Everyone is encouraged to wear bright, colorful clothing to glow vividly in the neon arena.

Four-thousand special glow-in-the-dark Nerf darts will be provided for the duration of the battle. After each round, kids will empty their blasters and magazines and return to their designated area in the stands.

“Glow Nerf Battle is one of our most popular events, so we’re excited to bring this event back for the new year,” said Program Administrator Jason Wilburn. “So, grab a friend and your favorite blaster and be ready for some fast-paced and energic battles.”

Glow events are when participants wear neon or white clothes, the lights of a gym are turned off, and the black lights are turned on. Everyone then “glows” in the dark while running around and playing a game.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4sLXv6f. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “glow nerf” in the search bar.

For information about other programs, activities and classes offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Could it be Allandale Mansion is cursed, and no one is safe walking through its doors? For the fourth year in a row, a murder has taken place within its historic walls and only you can help solve the mystery.

Time to don your best masquerade ball attire and enjoy an evening of delicious treats, great company and a murder mystery for the ages.

Friends of Allandale is proud to present its fourth annual Mardi Gras Masquerade Murder Mystery event for 2026. This year, two separate events will be held.

• February 12 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $50 per person and includes beer, wine and heavy hors d’oeuvres.
• February 13 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $35 per person and includes hurricane punch and desserts.

Clues will be provided upon your arrival and throughout the evening, so be sure to pay attention and put those sleuthing skills to the test. Mardi Gras themed masks, costumes, and other festive attire is encouraged, and a prize will be awarded for the Best Costume.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/3L9xtJ8. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “Mardi Gras” in the search bar.

The last day for all ticket sales will be February 9. For questions about the event or assistance with purchasing tickets, please contact the Allandale Mansion office at 423-229-9422.

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department will be offering parents weekly play time for their toddlers beginning in February and continuing through the end of May.

Toddler Time sessions will take place at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex every Thursday from 10 a.m. to noon from February 5 through May 21. The free play time sessions are for children ages 5 and under.

Children will enjoy self-guided play featuring age-appropriate equipment and games. Caregiver supervision is required as this program is not instructor led.

“These sessions allow children to explore, play with their friends and burn off some energy,” said Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “Parents can enjoy a safe, welcoming space while the little ones engage in active play and social fun.”

To register, please visit https://bit.ly/45dltwW. You can also click on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on the “CivicRec” link, then search for “toddler time” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by Kingsport Parks and Recreation, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Time to serve and spike with one of the more popular glow events hosted by Kingsport Parks and Recreation.

On February 27, Kingsport will host a special one-day glow volleyball event at the V.O. Dobbins, Sr. Complex (301 Louis Street). There will be three divisions of play based on skill level.

• Division A (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Division B (8 p.m. to 10 p.m.)
• Division BB (6 p.m. to 8 p.m.)

The event is for anyone ages 14 and up and the cost is $100 per team. Each team can have a maximum roster of 12 players, and you may compete with four to six players on the court (though two females must be on the court at all times).

Glow events are when participants wear neon or white clothes, the lights to a gym are turned off and the black lights are turned on. Everyone then “glows” in the dark while running around and playing a game of volleyball.

“Glow volleyball has been one of our most successful events we’ve ever had, so we’re thrilled to bring it back for the community this winter,” said Program Coordinator Renee Ensor. “It’s always just a fun night of volleyball games.”

To register, visit https://bit.ly/4b07UVh. You can also register by clicking on the CivicRec link in the Connect Kingsport app or go to www.kingsporttn.gov and click on “CivicRec,” then search for “glow volleyball” in the search bar.

For information about other events, activities and programs offered by the Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department, please visit www.kingsportparksandrecreation.org.

Tennessee/Virginia Fellowship Against Racism and East Tennessee District Full Gospel Baptist Church Fellowship Presents The 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade

The 26th Annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day Parade has been scheduled to Monday, January 19, 2026 from 12:00 – 12:20 p.m.  Parade participants will need to assemble at 11:15 p.m. at the intersection of E. Sullivan Street & Center Street (Parking is available near or around the New City Hall, 415 Broad Street, Kingsport, TN 37660).

The parade route will follow E. Sullivan Street and end at the New Kingsport City Hall, 415 Broad Street.

The theme is “ANSWER TO RACISM IS THE LOVE OF CHRIST” & “LOVE MORE IN 2026; CHOOSE TO LOVE AND NOT TO HATE”.

If you would like, please enter a car, float, church/business van, bus, truck, other exhibits or take a 20 minute walk during lunch in the parade!

Monthly Service Event: January 19^th thru April 30^th, 2026

Diapers & Wipes $12/Baby (Putting Babies First)
Make your tax-deductible contribution payable to:
Joshua Generation Int’l, Inc. (JGII)
P.O. Box 3390, Kingsport, TN 37664-3390

 

* Following the Parade, MLK Community Unity Luncheon by New Vision Youth

Please Join Us 1:00 p.m. at the Riverview Community Room (Next to the Pickleball Courts on Wheatley Street). Sponsors: Chamber of Commerce, OLE CROW Catering, South Central, AKA Sorority, KHRA, and Dr. Rev. William Ward.

For Luncheon Information, please contact Johnnie Mae Swagerty (New Vision Youth) at (423) 429-7553

For Parade Information, please contact Bishop Ronnie Wayne Collins (JGII) at (423) 956-0675 or email: rcollins.j316@gmail.com