Daily editionFriday, October 17th, 2025
Good morning, Johnson City.
The Daily Johnson City Team
Here’s your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of October.
Community
Second Harvest Food Bank of Northeast Tennessee and WCQR launched the 2025 Project Thanksgiving donation campaign on Thursday to deliver 7,000 meal boxes to families in need across eight counties.
Rising food costs have set the price of a full Thanksgiving meal at $30 — officials urge donors to help support extra families.
WCYBRead more
Community members provided input on the proposed Mendota Trail extension linking the Mendota Trail parking area at I-81 with Cumberland Square Park as part of a study funded by the Appalachian Regional Commission and the Tobacco Revitalization Commission — the city hopes to complete the study by year-end while exploring multiple route options.
WFHGRead more
Government
Downtown Johnson City has a temporary lane closure on State of Franklin Road heading westbound as work crews set up tape + delineators between Roan and Buffalo streets to test new parking and traffic measures until Saturday evening.
The change is part of the city’s Downtown Parking Study to reduce congestion for drivers.
WFHGRead more
Health
Carolyn Howard—diagnosed with stage 3-a breast cancer at 26 and declared cancer free in 2019—now works with local support programs to raise awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month; she says trusting her instincts and asking for tests saved her life.
WCYBRead more
Johnson City Events
Tennessee Veterans Festival
Saturday, October 18th, 2025 · 1-7 p.m. — Tipton-Haynes State Historic Site — $10.00 per person — Celebrate veteran culture with art, music, and a bustling crafts village.
Blue Ridge Artisan Days: Autumn Market & Craft Fair
Friday, October 24th, 2025 · 3-7 p.m. — Appalachian Fair — Free entry — Celebrate fall with unique handmade goods, warm treats, and festive vibes for the whole family.
Johnson City Zine Fest 9
Saturday, October 25th, 2025 · 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. — 324 E Main St, Johnson City, TN — Free entry — Explore the creativity of over 40 zinesters and their unique artwork.
Scarecrow Skedaddle & Shindig
Sunday, October 26th, 2025 · 1:45-4 p.m. — ETSU/Ballad Health Athletic Center — Event entry fee applies — Enjoy a festive family celebration with races, games, and fall fun.
Wake Forest vs East Tennessee State Basketball Exhibition
Wednesday, October 29th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Freedom Hall Civic Center Arena — Charity event — Enjoy an exciting exhibition match while supporting local charities.
An Evening in Conversation with Kenny Chesney
Saturday, November 1st, 2025 · 3:00 – 4:30 PM — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Includes signed book — Discover the inspiring journey of Kenney Chesney from a young musician to a country music star.
Elf The Musical
Monday, November 3rd, 2025 · 7:00 – 8:30 PM — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Tickets available — Experience a live adaptation of the holiday classic with dazzling stage effects and festive cheer.
Elf The Musical
Tuesday, November 4th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticket prices may vary — Experience the magic of the beloved holiday film transformed into a spectacular live theater event.
MANIA: The ABBA Tribute
Wednesday, November 5th, 2025 · 7:30-9:00 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Cost Info — Celebrate the timeless music of ABBA in a fun and nostalgic tribute concert.
Book Club: The Russian Concubine
Thursday, November 6th, 2025 · 7-8:30 p.m. — Barnes & Noble — Free entry — Dive into a historical romance amid the chaos of 1920s China with spirited discussions and new faces.