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Border Bash to partner in Bristol's community-wide Independence Day celebration — Rain or Shine!

July 02, 2013
Each year Celebrate Bristol partners with local organizations for a slate of family friendly events to celebrate America’s Independence! When Border Bash was asked to join in we gladly accepted. Border Bash, the twice-monthly free concert series held annually May through August, celebrates its fourteenth anniversary as a roving mini-fest that has grown to include children's activities and vendors in addition to live music. Border Bash has been moved to Cumberland Square Park to accommodate the attendance expected for July 4th. Here is the listing of events including Border Bash. We hope to see you downtown for this year’s fantastic line-up including;

Wednesday, July 3 – Support the Bristol White Sox Night
* 6:30 pm — Watermelon Eating Contest at Home Plate (Sponsored by Kroger) — Fireworks following game!
*7:00 pm – Home Game at Boyce Cox Field

Thursday, July 4 – Star-Spangled 4th
*3:00 pm – Parade Line-up on Bob Morrison Blvd. (Free entry for participants)
*5:00 pm – Bristol’s Independence Day Parade – State Street
*6:00 pm — Star-Spangled Evening in the Park begins with family fun events including inflatable’s, petting zoo, "eating contests", kids activities, food concessions, and arts & crafts vendors ! Hey kids, be sure to wear your swimsuits – BVFD and BVU have a WET surprise for you.
*6:00 pm — Bristol’s July 4th Photo Contest Awards
*6:15 pm — Lions Club Rubber Ducky Race in Cumberland Square Park at the Beaver Creek Basin
*6:30 pm – War Hero Presentation on Cumberland Stage
*7:00 pm — Border Bash LIVE music begins on stage with the Jon Stickley Trio
*8:45pm — Border Bash continues with L Shape Lot performing
*10:15pm — Fireworks!!! You haven’t seen a show like this in a long while Bristol – don’t miss out on this Star-Spangled fireworks event. (Please note that the fireworks cannot be set off in a downpour.)

Friday, July 5 – Celebration continues
* 5:00 pm – Star-Spangled Car Show in the TriSummit Bank parking lot. Sponsored by Antique Automobile Club of America – Appalachian Region and BVU.
*9:00 pm – Drive-In Movie under the Stars – “GREASE” will be shown. Sponsored by BVU. (Please note the movie cannot be shown in a downpour.)

About the Border Bash bands:

Jon Stickley Trio — Jon Stickley is a flat-picking guitarist from Asheville, NC. The Jon Stickley Trio showcases original material, as well as interpretations of bluegrass and jazz music. The trio leans toward a relaxed approach were the members are free to explore the song, in the moment. His first solo album, Lions, was featured in the August 2010 edition of Flatpicking Guitar Magazine, where editor Dan Miller stated, “If you want to hear some great old guitars played expertly, I highly recommend Lions.” Jon has been a member of many North Carolina and Colorado bands including, The Shannon Whitworth Band, Biscuit Burners, Big Fat Gap, Broke Mountain, Colorado Playboys, New Vintage, and is currently playing bass with Town Mountain.

L Shape Lot — Mixing a healthy amount of musical chops, honest and creative songwriting, powerful stage presence and well sung four-part harmonies; L Shape Lot creates an original and dynamic Americana sound based in country rock, bluegrass and roots/folk music. Their lively sound explores new ground, while still playing homage to their predecessors. L Shape Lot reigns from Wilmington, NC and consists of members Eric Miller, Alex Lanier, Rick Williams, and John Kovalski. L Shape Lot was announced as the Winner of the Floydfest Under the Radar Series for 2011 and was voted “Best Band” by the readers of Encore Magazine for the second time. Also, their tune “Down in the Mine” will be featured in the season finale of the HBO series Eastbound and Down.

Border Bash is hosted by Believe in Bristol, Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion, and Birthplace of Country Music®, and Celebrate Bristol on the 4th of July. Our sponsors in 2013 include AACA, Bank of Tennessee, Blakley-Mitchell, Bristol Herald Courier, Bristol Virginia Utilities, Burke, Powers & Harty, Campbell Printing, Child Study Club, Citizens Bank, City of Bristol, TN, City of Bristol, VA, Coca-Cola, Cranberry Lane, Edward Jones Investments, Express AV Productions, First Bank of Virginia, First Tennessee Foundation, William and Brenda Johnstone, Kerr-Boswell Inc., King University, Mary Landrum, MedExpress, Merrill Lynch, Serendipity, Tom and Barbara Smith, Spiegler Blevins & Company, Strongwell, Tri-City Tent & Event, Walling Distributing, WCYB News 5, Wells Fargo, WAEZ 94.9, and Z-Rock 99.3.

For more information, visit www.believeinbristol.org, www.birthplaceofcountrymusic.org, www.bristolrhythm.com or call (276) 645-0111 or (276) 644-9700.

Bowls Make It Better Tickets on Sale Now at Kil'n Time — All Proceeds to Healing Hands Health Center!

July 03, 2013
Each year, dozens of artists come together to create more than 100 original works of art with one central purpose — to support Healing Hands Health Center in their mission of providing health care to the working uninsured.

This event, called Bowls Make it Better, offers patrons the chance to take home a hand-crafted bowl, hear great music with Symphony Rags, and this year, celebrate Healing Hands' Sweet Sixteen with ice cream sundaes, fresh cut fruit, and bananas and strawberries foster.

With millions of patient visits over the past 16 years, chances are you know someone in your neighborhood, workplace, church or family who has relied on services provided by Healing Hands.

Help us, and them, by joining us at Kil'n Time Ceramics Studio at 818 State Street on Sunday, July 21 from 2-4 p.m. for this uplifting event. Tickets are a $25 donation to Healing Hands, and are tax deductible. 100% of the proceeds goes to Healing Hands so they can provide services for others.

Tickets are on sale now, and only 100 are available. We sell out each year, so call the studio today at 423.573.9950 for yours!

Chang is Afoot at Wm. King Clothiers as Renovation Begins on the Bristol Store!

July 02, 2013
As Wm. King Clothiers begins our 33rd year in our historic downtown Bristol location this fall season, we are preparing for a renovation. We will begin construction in Bristol on July 9th, and host a grand reopening after Labor Day. It will be our pleasure to bring you a new version of "Classic Clothing for Gentlemen and Ladies." As part of our new store, we will be expanding our ladies' collections with new designers and a fresh take on women's wear that is relevant for today. Gentleman, we will be bringing back our favorite iconic designer — Polo by Ralph Lauren.

In addition, after maintaining a presence in Johnson City for 28 years, we've decided it makes more sense to consolidate under one roof in order to serve you even better, which of course is our goal. Thank you to all of our loyal customers. It has been our privilege and pleasure to be a part of the Johnson City community. We know you're going to love the new Wm. King Clothiers. It will be well worth the trip to downtown Bristol, we promise!

Roger Johns is still a vital part of our team. Roger will devote more time to meeting with customers one-on-one to deliver the personal service that you expect from Wm. King Clothiers. Roger will be available to meet with you at your desired location and at your convenience. Yes, we are mobile!

Finally, our current inventory has to go... And that means we're having a SALE! Now is the time to take advantage of substantial savings. Due to the renovations in Bristol, we're moving all of our inventory to Johnson City (yes, ladies too!) for one gigantic sale. Visit our website and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr to keep up with the latest news.

~ Schedule of Events ~

Bristol Store
* Monday, July 8th - Ladies Trunk Show with Lafayette 148. We're excited to bring Lafayette 148 to the Tri-Cities area. We hope you will stop by and see the new fall collection from 9:00 am — 5:30 pm.
* Tuesday, July 9th – The Bristol store will begin its renovation. All men's and ladies' clothing will be shipped to Johnson City for our sale.

Johnson City Store
Our sale is now is progress and will continue through early August.

Grand Opening in Bristol
We plan to reopen after Labor Day. We look forward to showcasing our new version of "Classic Clothing for Gentlemen and Ladies."

As always, we are dedicated to bringing you the finest clothing and service. Thank you for your continued support.

Downtown Bristol Blog

Kil'n Time Afternoon Art Camps!

July 09, 2013
Afternoon Art Camps at Kil'n Time are back! Our popular 3-hour sessions feature creative, constructive projects in drawing, storytelling, ceramics and glass. Some feature guest instructors, including Brian & Marie Bridgeforth of Bridgeforth Design Studio and Carolyn Koesters, story coach extraordinare. Each session is $50 and includes all materials, supervision and snacks. Participants will bring home 1-4 projects from each session. Recommended for ages 8 and up, reservations preferred but not required. Join us from 2-5 p.m. on the following days inJuly: * Tuesday, July 9 * Thursday, July 11 * Tuesday, July 23 * Thursday, July 25 Call 423.573.9950 for more info and to register.

Media Conference at blowfish emporium — Come meet the new owners!

July 09, 2013
Join us on Tuesday, July 9 at 10am at blowfish emporium as founder and owner Bethany Wilson introduces the new owners of the established State Street art gallery! The new owners will anounce a new visual arts initiative connecting national and international collectors to local and regional artists. * Festivities begin at 10am * Press conference begins at 10:30am * Entertainment by harpist Kayla Neikirk * Morning refreshments will be provided

Come down to KP Duty to celebrate July 4th — and KP's birthday!

July 04, 2013
Come celebrate our country’s birthday (and ours!) on Thursday, July 4th from 5pm until after the fireworks! This year will mark the 22nd anniversary of KP so come on down and enjoy a slice of free birthday cake with your meal purchase! We will be serving a farm-to-table menu, including local burgers and roasted chicken, along with having our 75-cent oysters special! We are also hoping to have live music on the night so watch this space. We would love to have you downtown enjoying the parade, good music, and FIREWORKS from our patio seating! Call us for reservations or more information – (423) 764-3889. We are located at 520 State St Bristol, TN. Please also note our holiday hours for this week: We will be open during lunch only July 1-3. We will be open on July 4th from 5pm till after the fireworks. We will resume our regular hours on Friday, July 5th.

Downtown restaurant and bar opening hours for the 4th of July

July 04, 2013
Several of the restaurants and barsin Historic Downtown Bristol are open on July 4th — so come on down and enjoy some good food and drink to celebrate Independence Day! * 620 State Restaurant — 4-10:15pm * Blackbird Bakery — Open 24 hours * Borderline Billiards — Call for opening information, 423-989-7665 * Burger Bar — 2-10:15pm * Eatz on Moore Street — 11am-7pm (weather permitting) * Little Italy — 11am-11 / 11:30pm * KP Duty — 5-10:15pm * Macado's — 8am-12:30am * Machiavelli's — Closed * Manna Bagel — Closed * Memory Lane Cafe — Closed Wednesday-Sunday * O'Mainnin's Pub & Grill — 4pm-3:30am * Shang Hai — Closed * Shelbee's Vintage Cafe — 11am-8pm * Stateline Bar & Grill — 11am-1:30am

War Hero Ceremony during 4th of July event at Cumberland Square Park

July 04, 2013
Come attend the WAR HERO CEREMONY: A very special award will be presented at the July 4th event in Cumberland Square Park, at 6:30PM. The Williams family and the Ball family have been friends for over 45 years. It is indeed an honor that Richard and Ronnie Ball, both Vietnam-era Veterans, have been given the opportunity to present the Department of Defense-50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commendation, to the family members of a deceased Vietnam Veteran, PFC David C. Williams. Please make sure and join us for this special ceremony.

There's still space in our July Who Art You? Camp — so join now!

July 03, 2013
Find Yourself at Art Camp in Historic Downtown Bristol! By joining our Who Art You? camp, your child can leave their mark on the Bristol arts! This camp focuses on 15 downtown arts and entertainment activities hosted by our local arts-related businesses — activities include painting, pottery, graphic arts, creative movement, music, storytelling, karate, culinary arts, and much, much more. The camp runs daily from 9a.m. to 3p.m., and the second session will be held July 22-26. The cost is $250 per child and $25 off for 2+ children. Ages 8 — 12! For registration details, contact Rene Rodgers at 276-644-9700 or rrodgers@believeinbristol.org.

4th of July Sale at Pretty Girl Station This Week!

July 03, 2013
This week Pretty Girl Station is having a 4th of July Sale!! Our red, white and blue yoga sandals are $10 off and if you mention Facebook you can get $11 The Catherine Vaughan Keene State Street shirt! You don't want to miss out! Come by the shop at 506 State Street, or call us on 276-644-4701 for more information!

State Street Farmers' Market Celebrates Independence Day

July 03, 2013
Independence Day is almost here and that gets everyone thinking of hotdogs, hamburgers, fresh produce for the fixings, and of course strawberries! A great place to begin the search for your picnic and cook-out needs is the State Street Farmers Market located at 810 State Street in historic downtown Bristol. While you are there check out the creative homemade crafts some of the market vendors have created specifically for the holiday. The market is also giving away Independence Day cupcakes for as long as they last in celebration of the July 4th holiday. Of course, don’t forget to pick up the limited edition of the latest market poster. In July the market begins its weekday market and this year it will begin on Wednesday, July 3. The hours of the market are from 3:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M each Wednesday. The weekday market runs through September of each year.
Click here to read more.

Grand Opening Sale at TriSup on State Street!

July 03, 2013
Through July 6, 2013, all in stock items can be bought with a 10% discount during the GRAND OPENING SALE at TriSup, 514 State Street, Bristol, TN! While you are visiting the store, you can also register for several GRAND PRIZE DRAWINGS: * The GRAND OPENING GRAND PRIZE # 1 is a PAU HANA Malibu Stand Up Paddleboard, Paddle, Fin, and Leash — a $650 value. * The GRAND OPENING GRAND PRIZE # 2 is a GoPro Hero3 White Edition Camcorder — a $299 value. * The GRAND OPENING GRAND PRIZE # 3 is an Indo Board Original Natural FLO GF Balance Trainer — a $120 value Drawing for the GRAND PRIZE will be at 5pm on Saturday, July 6, 2013.

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