NEWS RELEASE

 Wednesday, March 4, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                                  

Fun Fest Honored at the 2026 Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s Kaleidoscope Awards

KINGSPORT, Tenn. – The best and brightest in the Southeastern festivals and events industry were spotlighted last week at the Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s 2026 Kaleidoscope Awards Gala, a part of their annual conference, held this year in Tupelo, Mississippi. This year, 187 applicants across the southeast entered 20 different categories.

Fun Fest’s Hot Air Balloon Rally received the gold award for Best Event Within An Event. Throughout the past 30+ years, the Hot Air Balloon Rally has been a staple of Fun Fest and serves as the finale kickoff. Vibrant colors abound at the Hot Air Balloon Rally, an event that has helped shape Kingsport’s largest festival, Fun Fest. The Hot Air Balloon Rally takes place over two days and is completely free to the public. Attendees can experience a balloon glow, see the hot air balloons up close, take photos, talk to pilots and weather permitting, see the balloons take off and fly. In 2025, around 25,000 people came to see the 18 hot air balloons that were featured. Marsh Regional Blood Center hosts a donation drive in conjunction with their sponsorship, and this year, received more than 130 blood donations throughout the Saturday balloon rally drive. In a typical week, the blood bank sees an average of 20 donors daily, but through the promotions and attention surrounding the balloon rally, they received nearly 1,000 donations that week. Fun Fest’s Hot Air Balloon events are made by possible by Ballad Health, Marsh Regional Blood Center, Tractor Supply and Brightspeed.

Fun Fest also received the bronze award for Best Festival or Event. Since 1981, Fun Fest has been a staple festival in Kingsport and throughout the region. For nine days in July, the community celebrates the Kingsport spirit with more than 100 events (24 of them were completely new in 2025) in 30+ locations around the city. From day one, the goal of Fun Fest has been “Community Unity,” and it continues to foster the belief that Kingsport is a good place to work and live by providing events that highlight entertainment, athletics, arts and history, among others. We strive to make Fun Fest a festival that becomes a tradition for families across generations and offers affordable ways to make memories that last a lifetime. In 2025, Fun Fest welcomed more than 100,000 visitors from 32 states. Throughout its nine days, Fun Fest hosts a parade, road races, sporting events, senior events, children’s events, hot air balloons, fireworks, concerts, food trucks, pet events, block parties, guided hikes and SO. MUCH. MORE. Fun Fest is made possible each year by more than 150 corporate and community sponsors who put their financial support, time and energy into making each event a success.

“We are blessed to live in a community and region that continues to support a festival of this size,” said Emily Thompson, Visit Kingsport’s Director of Fun Fest and Special Events. “We are honored to see Fun Fest and the Hot Air Balloon Rally recognized as they both truly reflect Kingsport’s community spirit.”

The awards were judged based on the description of the event, budget and profit/loss statement, estimated number of attendees, if it was environmental and/or pet friendly and community reviews/feedback. Factors of influence included attendance growth, pioneering marketing and superior promotional efforts.

“The Kaleidoscope Awards celebrate the passion and innovation that power our industry,” said Amy Doherty, SFEA Board Chair. “These organizations are not just producing events. They are creating experiences that leave lasting impressions on their communities and raise the standard for excellence across the Southeast.”

The name “kaleidoscope” was selected in homage to the colors in the SFEA logo, which represent the many different elements and facets within festivals and events. A call for entries was posted last fall, and all communities and events, members and non-members alike, were encouraged to participate. The judges looked for originality, creativity, media impact, and the overall impact on the respective communities. The Kaleidoscope Award categories are diverse, covering just about every aspect of the industry, including vendors and suppliers.

The Southeast Festivals & Events Association is a 501 (c) 6 membership-based organization composed of festival and event planners, venues, and industry service providers. SFEA was founded in 2009 to strengthen the festivals and events industry throughout the Southeastern United States by hosting educational sessions, networking opportunities, award recognition, and additional events throughout the year, thus allowing for continued professional growth of members. Membership is open to professionals in the festivals and events industry as well as those wanting to get their start and learn more about this exciting profession.