Good morning, Johnson City.

Friends of Warriors Path State Park and community partners celebrated new donations on Thursday, Dec.

4 that helped complete a two-year restoration of Darrell’s Dream Boundless Playground and the Lions Narnia Storybook Braille Trail. Grants from the Kingsport Kiwanis Club and Lions Club plus support from TCAT students enabled improvements at eight sensory stations.

Downtown Johnson City welcomes Candyland Christmas from Nov.

29 through Jan. 4, displaying more than 180 festive trees across Founders Park, King Commons, Majestic Park, and Main Street. The event, which began in 2020 as a safe alternative to a canceled parade, has become a cherished local tradition.

The Appalachian Equality Chorus will perform Spirits and Sparkle: Christmas Concert at the ETSU Martin Center on Sunday, Dec.

14 at 4 p.m. (Doors open at 3 p.m. and tickets cost $20 for general admission and $10 for students).

Graduates, faculty, and guests will gather for commencement at the Ballad Health Athletic Center Saturday, Dec.

13. Two sessions start at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.—arrive early to secure seating for each college ceremony.

ETSU’s Office of Professional Development will host its winter Renaissance Child Enrichment Camp from Dec.

15-19 on the university campus, offering interactive STREAM and engineering activities for first- through fifth-grade campers. Registration costs $200 and remains open.

Former public school educator Candice Hilton launched Hilton Horizons Academy last year; the micro school operates in Kingsport and Johnson City and offers flexible in-person schedules with Spanish and computer coding lessons.

Accredited by the Middle State Association, leaders plan to open a private school and expand the hybrid program.

ETSU will debut a new academic building, Bosque Plaza with eight-foot trees, and a redesigned Quad next spring.

The renovations—spanning improved pathways and parking—aim to create a landmark campus with modern amenities for students.

Former public school educator Candice Hilton opened a new micro school in Johnson City (also serving Kingsport) to meet the needs of local homeschool families.

Enrollment will open soon for students seeking personalized education.

Carter County launched two new mobile apps yesterday to help residents stay informed (available on Apple and Google Play) by providing one app from the Sheriff's Office for crime alerts and tips and another from the Emergency Management Agency for weather alerts and county services.

ETSU volleyball team, seeded first in the SoCon tournament, swept the quarterfinal against Western Carolina and captured the semifinal before falling in a heated five-set championship to the Wofford Terriers.

The team, finishing as regular season champs and runner-up, will build on its success next season.

On Nov. 29, ETSU men’s basketball beat Central Arkansas 80-57 at Freedom Hall in Johnson City.

Senior guard Brian Taylor II earned SoCon Basketball Player of the Week (14 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) and the Buccaneers will face South Alabama today at 7 p.m.

Glory Shone Around Holiday Concert

4-10 p.m. — ETSU Martin Center for the Arts — Ticketed event — Celebrate the holiday season with a mix of classic and contemporary music performed by a large ensemble of student and faculty musicians.

Jolabokaflod Celebration

3-5 p.m. — Shakti in the Mountains — $15 — Celebrate the joyful tradition of exchanging books and chocolate with cozy crafts and community spirit.

Jingle 5K Night Run

7 PM - 1 AM — King Commons Park — Registration required — Experience the festive holiday lights while enjoying a fun evening run or walk with Santa and treats.

Maylene and the Sons of Disaster Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Capone's — $20 — Experience a powerful performance by the resilient southern metal band after a long hiatus.

Jeepin’ for a Claus

1-3 p.m. — Carver Recreation Center — Free toys for kids — Celebrate the season with Santa and enjoy free toys while capturing cherished moments.

A Winter Gathering Yee Haw Style

11:30 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Yee-Haw Brewing Company — Free entry — Celebrate winter with fellow riders in a laid-back gathering focused on community and motorcycling fun.

Midnight at The Big Top

8-11:30 p.m. — Holiday Inn Johnson City by IHG — Champagne required — Ring in 2026 with a live DJ, acrobats, and circus magic.