Keep Kingsport Beautiful Trash Barrel Paint-In at the Allandale Mansion.
For the 10th consecutive year, Domtar’s Kingsport Mill sponsored the annual Keep Kingsport Beautiful Trash Barrel Paint-In on July 15 at the Allandale Mansion. The event, which signals the approach of Fun Fest, is part of the mill’s long-standing tradition of supporting the Model City’s beloved summer celebration — now in its 40th year.
The 2025 event, which promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility, was the largest yet, with more than 600 barrels painted and more than 1,000 attendees of all ages. The panel of judges included summer interns from the Kingsport Mill. Awards were presented in the following categories: under 6 years old; ages 6-8, 9-11, 12-17, 18 and older; family; best overall barrel; and best anniversary barrel.
The barrels are used at Fun Fest and other Kingsport events throughout the year.
Summer interns at the Kingsport Mill served as judges during the July 15 event.
“It was great to see so many people come out to celebrate this annual event,” said Bonnie Depew, environmental manager for the Kingsport Mill and chair of the Keep Kingsport Beautiful Council. “This shows our community’s commitment to the environment and love of Fun Fest.”
The mill also sponsors the Fun Fest Trashbusters program, which provides volunteers — including Depew and Julia Ives, the mill’s purchasing manager — who pick up litter during some of the largest events and concerts held during Fun Fest.
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Beyond the Paint-In, Domtar supported some of Fun Fest’s most anticipated attractions, which included joining other local industries to sponsor the popular Fun Fest Sunset Concert Series. The 2025 lineup featured Tauren Wells; Bret Michaels with opener Edwin McCain; and Brad Paisley with opener Avery Anna.
In addition to the Kingsport Mill’s financial support of Fun Fest events, mill team members have supported the festival with their presence at boating events, parades, competitions, meals and much more.
“Sponsoring events like the Paint-In are not merely financial contributions — they reflect and reinforce our deep commitment to sustainability and overall community well-being,” said Tony Clary, the mill’s interim manager. “Also, our employees’ hands-on participation further solidifies the mill’s role as an active, engaged member of the Kingsport community, demonstrating that our commitment to Fun Fest is not just corporate, but personal.”