Racks by the Tracks returns May 14

Published 1:04 pm Thursday, March 17, 2022

One of the region’s most popular festivals, Racks by the Tracks, returns to the Kingsport Farmers Market May 14 to celebrate its 14th 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 plenty 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 again 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 pint glass.

Returning for the ninth 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 will feature a brand new course for you to attempt a new personal record on. It will still be a primarily flat course but will give runners the opportunity to run on one of Kingsport’s greatest treasures, the Greenbelt. The race will still have the same start and finish lines but will offer participants a scenic middle on the Greenbelt. For runners seeking a challenging & unique test of stamina, they can sign-up for the Boss Hog Challenge, in which they run in both the 10K & 5K races and receive a limited-edition Boss Hog Challenger T-shirt for participating.

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.

Entertainment on the Honda Kingsport Stage will feature headliner, Pandora’s Box, the Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute. A strong, professionally minded group by day and a stage overflowing with musicianship, showmanship and friendship by night, Pandora’s Box – The Ultimate Aerosmith Tribute brings the positive energy, talent and experience to complete the Aerosmith experience.

Opening for Pandora’s Box is 7 Bridges: The Ultimate EAGLES Experience. 7 Bridges faithfully re-creates the experience of an Eagles concert from the band’s most prolific period. Every show features one brilliant hit single after another with some mighty Don Henley and Joe Walsh surprises sprinkled into the mix. 7 Bridges offers the perfect blend of songs to capture all levels of Eagles devotees.

Music kicks-off on the Honda Kingsport Stage at 1 p.m. with local country band, Gents & Liars. The Gents & Liars are a five-man group from Johnson City, playing their new fusion of Country. Every member has a diverse musical background and it shows through in their music. With the majority of the band growing up in East Tennessee, you can hear the sounds they grew up with along with a more modern approach to traditional music. They feature everything from rockabilly-style chugging hollowbody riffs to twangy, capoed banjo rolls, and melodic walking bass with a tight drum groove.

Racks by the Tracks tickets are available now and can be purchased online and at all Food City locations. Individuals are encouraged to purchase early for the best pricing during the “First 100-Hour Online Sale” as prices will begin increasing on Monday, March 21.