Kingsport: 16th Annual Racks by the Track

16th Annual Racks by the Tracks Festival returns to Kingsport May 18^th

The Tri-Cities’ original tasting event will feature live music, a BBQ contest, craft beer, wine and seltzer tastings.

One of the region’s most popular festivals, Racks by the Tracks, returns to the Kingsport Farmers Market May 18^th to celebrate its 16^th year. This year’s festival will feature the original Tri-Cities’ tasting event, a BBQ competition, the Racks by the Tracks 10K and 5K Race (featuring the Boss Hog Challenge) and lots of great music

The original Tri-Cities’ tasting event, presented by Allandale Package Store, will feature more than 100 unique craft beers, wines, seltzers and sangrias. Tickets for this year’s tasting event will be an all-inclusive ticket to sample all of the available beverages. Attendees will also place votes for their favorite libations and receive a souvenir glass.

Returning for its 11^th year is the Racks by the Tracks 10K and 5K Race/Walk presented by Powell Valley National Bank. Along with the fun environment, one of the appealing draws of this race is that its course is considered the fastest course in the region due to how consistently flat it is. This year’s race course will feature a new route, giving runners the opportunity to run on different sections of one of Kingsport’s greatest treasures, the Greenbelt. For runners seeking a challenge and a unique test of stamina, they can sign-up for the Boss Hog Challenge, in which they run both the 10K & 5K races and receive a Boss Hog Challenger gift for participating. Racers are encouraged to purchase early for the best pricing during the “First 100-Hour Online Sale” that runs from March 8 until March 11 when prices increase.

First 100-Hour Online Sale Prices:

5K – $20

10K – $30

Boss Hog Challenge – $45

Beginning March 11, the prices will increase to:

5K – $25

10K – $35

Boss Hog Challenge – $50

For those looking to enjoy great food, the BBQ Competition will give attendees an opportunity to taste the best barbecue from restaurants and teams from across the region. Each attendee can cast their vote for People’s Choice awards. No ticket is required to access this section of the festival. Non-barbecue food vendors will also be on-site. Food is not included in ticket cost and must be purchased separately.

“We are so excited for the return of Racks by the Tracks,” said Frank Lett, President and Chief Tourism Officer for Visit Kingsport. “This is a great event for our region and this year will be bigger and better than ever.”

Entertainment on the Honda Kingsport Stage will feature headliner, Benny Wilson Band and Friends. Benny Wilson is a Tri-Cities favorite and is bringing his band back together, along with some of his friends for an unforgettable night of live music. The show will feature the official Benny Wilson Band horn section, Samantha Gray, Jeff Lane and more.

Music kicks-off on the Honda Kingsport Stage at 1 p.m. with local band, Acoustifried. At 3 p.m., Borderline Band will take the stage, followed by Ivy Road at 5 p.m. Benny Wilson kicks off his show at 6.

“We’re excited to feature so many local favorites, past and present,” added Lett. “The day will be filled with music of all genres so grab your dancing shoes and come out and celebrate with us.”

Racks by the Tracks tickets go on sale on Friday, March 8 and will be available for purchase online at www.rackbythetracks.comand at all Food City locations (beginning Monday, March 11). Individuals are again encouraged to purchase early for the best pricing during the “First 100-Hour Online Sale” that runs from March 8 until March 11 when prices increase.

First 100-Hour Online Sale Prices:

Beverage Tasting Ticket – includes Craft Beers, Seltzers and Wines and access to the concerts – $35

Concert Ticket – $10

Beginning March 11, the beverage tasting ticket price will increase to $45.

Racks by the Tracks prides itself on giving back each year and to-date has contributed over $100,000 to local non-profits. Proceeds have benefited the following organizations throughout the years: Second Harvest Food Bank, Sullivan County Humane Society, Boys & Girls Club, Girls Inc. of Kingsport, Kingsport Chamber, Downtown Kingsport Association, PEAK Young Professionals, Relay for Life, Skin Cancer Foundation, Kingsport Ballet, Rotary Clubs of Kingsport and St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

Racks by the Tracks is sponsored by AccuForce, Action Rentals, Allandale Package Store, Athens Distributing, Barberitos of Kingsport, Bristol Broadcasting, Cherokee Distributing, Express AV, Fleet Feet, Food City, Frank Merendino, DDS, Honda Kingsport, Jim Cline Farmers Insurance, Lipman Distributing, Powell Valley National Bank, The Regional Eye Center and Visit Kingsport