Kingsport Mayor Paul W. Montgomery has announced the creation of a task force charged with developing a comprehensive plan to improve the financial viability of the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center.

Montgomery made the announcement during a Board of Mayor and Aldermen worksession Monday afternoon.

“As a board, we have a responsibility to our citizens to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said Montgomery. “Reviewing and setting a course for MeadowView to be successful for decades to come is an act of good governance and one we take seriously.”

The task force will be comprised of residents and local community members from various organizations, including Visit Kingsport, Eastman, financial institutions, and healthcare.

This task force, working alongside city staff, will develop a vision of what success looks like, not only for MeadowView, but for the City of Kingsport and its taxpayers.

Responsibilities of the new task force will include:

1. Evaluate historical, current and future uses of all portions of the property.
2. Deliver findings on the financial and operational reviews.
3. Produce recommendations by evaluating and identifying barriers to community access and local use.
4. Define the mission of the city’s portion of MeadowView

Opening in 1996, the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center is an 81,000 square foot, multi-purpose convention center with an adjoining 300-room hotel, 18-hole golf course and full-service restaurant.

The facility hosts a variety of meetings, banquets and social events throughout the year, along with high-caliber conventions, trade shows and sporting events. All of these events bring thousands of visitors and millions of dollars of economic impact to our city.

However, since 2020 the convention center portion of MeadowView has experienced a number of challenges, which has resulted in its current financial trajectory bring unsustainable.

The Kingsport Area Transit Service is thankful for its Dial-A-Ride passengers and wants to show them our appreciation

As such, KATS is continuing an annual tradition by offering half-price Dial-A-Ride ticket books for $12.00 (which includes 24 tickets per book) from November 17 through November 26.

The KATS Dial-A-Ride van service is for individuals who reside within the city limits, have a medical condition, are 65 or older, or are going to work. This service is an affordable, reliable, safe and efficient way for Kingsport residents to travel to numerous destinations within the city.

“We’re happy to continue this annual promotion to the residents of Kingsport, both for our long-time riders and folks who have never tried this service before,” said Transit Director Chris Campbell.

Tickets may be purchased at the KATS downtown terminal (900 E. Main Street) via cash, check, credit or debit. Tickets may also be purchased directly from the drivers.

Note – The Dial-A-Ride tickets can also be used with the KATS Connect program.

Cash and checks are the only form of payment accepted on vehicles. Check payments will be accepted through November 29 and can be mailed to KATS at 900 E. Main Street, Kingsport, TN 37660.

Drivers do not carry cash and cannot make change. Dial-A-Ride tickets do not expire and cannot be used on buses. For more information about KATS’ services, call 423-224-2613 or visit www.kingsporttransit.org.

The Kingsport Senior Center will be hosting its annual Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair on Nov. 21-22 at the Kingsport Renaissance Center.

Now in its sixth year, the two-day event will feature the works of more than 75 crafters from across the region. Embrace the holiday season by coming down and browsing through a variety of items at the fair, including home-made crafts, baskets, greeting cards, woodworking items, hand-sewn and crocheted items and much, much more.

The free event will take place on the first floor of the Kingsport Renaissance Center (1200 E. Center Street) from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on November 21 and from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on November 22.

“This event has been one of our more popular holiday events, where folks can come out and find the perfect, locally made personal gift,” said Senior Center Director Shirley Buchanan. “We’re certain the Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair will get you in the holiday spirit. We hope you’ll join us.”

Entertainment will be provided by:

• Lightnin’ Charlie from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Nov. 21.
• Tammy Martin on the hammer dulcimer from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 21.
• The violins of the Suzuki School of Music from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 22.
• Harpist Martha Painter from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 22.

Refreshments will be available for purchase from the following food trucks:

• Smash Bros Eatery on Nov. 21 & 22
• Crave Food Truck on Nov. 21 & 22
• Cornucopia on Nov. 21 & 22
• Husky Mtn. Eatery on Nov. 22

New this year will be a visit from Santa Claus, his elves and the Grinch in the atrium on both days!

For more information on The Old-Fashioned Christmas Fair, visit seniors.kingsporttn.gov or call the Lynn View branch of the Kingsport Senior Center at 423-765-9047.

The holiday season is a special time of year where the community can embrace the spirit of togetherness, generosity and joy through long-standing traditions and new and exciting events.

Now in its fourth year – Christmas in Kingsport has returned to the Model City and promises to once again offer all your favorite, festive events for the entire family to enjoy.

This is Kingsport is pleased to have partnered with the Downtown Kingsport Association to bring the community the very best holiday events this year. To learn more about this year’s event, be sure to visit www.christmasinkingsport.com.

CHRISTMAS CONNECTION – The 46th annual Christmas Connection arts and crafts fair will take place in the main convention hall of the MeadowView Conference Resort and Convention Center (1901 Meadowview Parkway) on November 14 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on November 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Christmas Connection offers a variety of unique gifts from local and regional artisans, including country crafts, home décor, fine wood and leather crafts, handmade soaps and lotions, jewelry, ornaments, stained glass, wheel-thrown pottery, baked goods, pet accessories and much more.

SANTA’S DEPOT – Come down to Centennial Park on November 22 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to kickstart the holiday season with Santa’s Depot. The two-hour event will feature multiple activity and treat stations for kids, free hot chocolate, cookies, letters to Santa, Santa hats, stickers and candy canes. All activities are free for children.

And be sure to stick around because at 3 p.m. the 83rd annual running of the Santa Train will roll into Kingsport and Santa will hop off to say hello to all the children and collect their letters before heading back up north to begin work for the busy Christmas season.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK – Throughout the month of December, more than 100 Christmas trees – decorated by local businesses, individuals and city departments – will be on display in Glen Bruce Park and Centennial Park.

So, bring your friends and family to downtown Kingsport and take a stroll through our bright and shining Winter Wonderland. And don’t be surprised if you see some magical snow fall in the parks on the weekend.

CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TREE LIGHTING – The Christmas season begins in earnest on December 6 with the annual Christmas Parade and Tree Lighting in downtown Kingsport.

The parade begins at 6 p.m. and will start at the corner of Clinchfield Street and W. Center Street. Expect to see decorated vehicles and floats, marching bands and even a visit from Santa Claus. Immediately after the parade, gather around Church Circle for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at 7:45 p.m., which will include a candlelight ceremony and carols.

Other Christmas events planned for December:

– December 6 – Symphony of the Mountains “By the Fireside” Concert.

– December 12 – Symphony of the Mountains Brass Quartet Christmas Concert.

– December 13 – Hot chocolate with Santa & the Grinch in Glen Bruce Park.

– December 13-14 – Allandale Mansion Christmas Tours.

– December 14 – Live Christmas Nativity along Church Circle.

– December 19 – Christmas at the Kingsport Carousel (with magical snow).

– December 19 – Washington Elementary Chorus at Centennial Park.

– December 20 – The Polar Express at NCG Cinemas.

– December 20 – Lamplight Carolers at Glen Bruce Park.

The Kingsport Carousel will host twilight carousel rides from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on December 4, 11 and 18 – $1 per ride. Magical snow will be falling on December 6 for the Christmas Parade and again in Glen Bruce Park on December 13 and 20, and in Centennial Park on December 19. “Christmas in Kingsport” shirts are currently available for purchase at Hometown Cottage.

For the map of all display locations and a full list of Christmas events taking place in December, visit www.christmasinkingsport.com. You can also sign up for our free email and text alerts, so you don’t miss any of the festive fun.

The Kingsport Parks and Recreation Department is now accepting registrations for its 2025 Youth Basketball programs.

Participants must live inside Kingsport’s city limits, own city property or attend Kingsport City Schools. Registration is now open through November 19 for the following leagues:

– Junior Boys (11-12)

– Junior Girls (10-12)

– Intermediate Boys (13-14)

Note – Practices begin the week of December 8 and games begin the week of January 12.

The registration fee is $30 per child, and the age determination date is August 15, 2025. After rosters are released, parents will have to go to Wheelhouse and order their jerseys for an additional fee to be determined.

To register, visit https://bit.ly/45cROD6. 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 “youth basketball” in the search bar.

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