KIGNSPORT, Tenn. – The best and the brightest in the Southeastern festivals and events industry were spotlighted last week at the Southeast Festivals and Events Association’s 2025 Kaleidoscope Awards Gala, a part of their annual conference, held this year in Chattanooga, TN. This year, 206 applicants across six states entered 21 different categories.
Fun Fest received the top honor of the night, receiving the Gold award for Best Festival or Event over $75,000 in budget. 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 nearly 100 events in more than 30 locations around the city. From day one, the goal of Fun Fest has been “Community Unity.” The goal is to create an experience that promotes unity, harmony, inclusion and fellowship among friends, neighbors, families and co-workers. Festus, a bright red and yellow sun, and the Fun Fest mascot, champions and promotes the community spirit all year. Fun Fest 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. We strive to make Fun Fest a festival that becomes a tradition for families throughout generations and offers affordable ways to make memories that last a lifetime. In 2024, Fun Fest welcomed 100,000 visitors from 32 states. Throughout its nine days, Fun Fest hosts events like 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. In 2024, we had more than 976,000 visits to the Fun Fest website, a Facebook reach of more than one-million and an Instagram reach of 19,000. We gained 2,300 new social media followers and began building a TikTok following to reach another demographic of people. Nearly 8,000 t-shirts were sold in 2024 and other specialty items like blankets, hats and mugs were available for purchase.
Visit Kingsport’s Santa’s Depot event was recognized as the Bronze winner in the Best Festival or Event under $20,000 in budget category. Santa’s Depot is a festive, free, family-friendly day that kicks off the Christmas season in Kingsport, Tennessee. It serves as the final stop of the CSX Santa Train. Each year, the Santa Train ends its journey by pulling into the train station in downtown Kingsport where a crowd of people are celebrating the day and waiting to see Santa Claus depart the train. Santa’s Depot is held in a public park adjacent to the train station each November. The day is filled with free activities and entertainment for children and their families. Upon arrival, children receive an activity passport and bag to carry with them from booth to booth. Each booth offers treats, activities, photo ops and more. Unlike other Santa Train stops, Santa’s Depot provides the opportunity for every child to walk away with a Christmas gift, wrapping paper and holiday snacks, ensuring that no matter their financial situation, they can feel seen by Santa and his helpers.
“We are blessed to live in a community and region that supports so many great festivals,” said Emily Thompson, Visit Kingsport’s Director of Fun Fest and Special Events. “We are excited to have brought home the honors for Fun Fest and Santa’s Depot, as they both truly embody the Kingsport 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.
“Festivals and events play a vital role in bringing communities together and creating lasting memories,” said Lindsey Shaffer, the outgoing SFEA Board Chair. “The SFEA Kaleidoscope Awards recognize the outstanding efforts of organizations that go above and beyond to deliver exceptional experiences. By celebrating these achievements, we are all encouraged to push creative boundaries and maintain the highest standards for the events we bring to our communities.”
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.