Did you miss the Kent Cornucopia parade? Would you like to see what other neighborhoods did to celebrate National Night Out in August? Or maybe you’re a pet lover who wants to hear about the new dog park being built on Kent’s East Hill. You can see all of the above on Kent TV21 online.

Here are links to some of their latest programs.

National Night Out – For 27 years, neighborhoods throughout Kent have been celebrating National Night Out. This year 103 events were held.

Tails are Wagging for an Off-Leash Dog Park in Kent – If you are a dog lover, you’ll love this fun video talking about the new off-leash dog park on Kent’s East Hill.

Kent Cornucopia Grand Parade – View the 2010 Kent Cornucopia Days Grand Parade.

{Note:  You’ll need Windows Media Player to view the videos.}

Looking for some great, live entertainment at an affordable price? Check out Pat’s Bar & Grill for live stand-up the first Wednesday of each month. Pat’s next show is Wed., September 1 from 7 to 9 pm and features Tommy Savitt. Tommy is the 2008 winner of the Seattle International Comedy Competition and the 2007 winner of The Boston Comedy Festival.

Tickets are $10 in advance, or $15 at the door. Come early for a tasty dinner or stay after to have a few drinks with your friends. See you Wednesday!

Pat’s Bar & Grill, 114 Railroad Ave. N., Kent, WA 98032
253-852-7287

This year’s Puyallup Fair is set for September 10 – 26. The popular fair includes entertainment, a rodeo, concerts, Sillyville, a treasure hunt, animal exhibits, rides and much more.

This year’s concert series features:

Puyallup Rodeo
Bret Michaels
Kenny Rogers
John Legend
We The Kings
Willie Nelson
Chris Botti & Natalie Cole
Dierks Bentley
Fiestas Patrias
Queensryche with Tesla
Adam Lambert
Daryl Hall & John Oates
MercyMe and Jeremy Camp
Billy Currington with Uncle Kracker
An Evening with Heart
Kid Rock

For concert times and tickets, click here.

For more information, visit the Puyallup Fair online.  To purchase tickets online, click here.

The City of Kent is ramping up its campaign to license pets and is granting amnesty to dog and cat owners until September 30, 2010. After that, owners face stiff penalties and fines for not licensing Fido and Fluffy.

Officials at the city want the awareness campaign to have a lighter side though. They are hosting an event at Kent Station on September 25, 2010 to prove it. Dog Daze & Feline Fantasies will take place between 1 and 4 pm and will feature fun events including a pet show, pet parade, agility course and more. Owners are encouraged to bring their leashed pets and those that are licensed may participate in the events. King County Regional Animal Services will be on hand to license pets that day as well.

For more information on pet licensing, visit KentPetLicense.com.

Christian singer/songwriter Michael A. Wilkins of Kent will make his music debut at a reception at Marie Haggin Accessories at Kent Station next week.

The public is invited to meet Wilkins and hear him perform on Wed., August 18 from 6 to 8 pm at Marie Haggin. He will be performing songs from his debut album “I Don’t Want to be Lost” featuring songs including “Defeated Giants” and “Don’t Want to Forget Ya.”

Wilkins’ debut reception is being hosted by Wilkins’ sister, Debbie Marie Haggin, owner of Marie Haggin Accessories.

“I know I am biased, but his music is so beautiful,” Haggin says. “I can’t wait for the rest of the world to hear his work!”

To learn more about the Christian artist or to hear clips of his music, visit him online at Big Dream Music Productions.

Wed., August 18, 2010 (6 to 8 pm)

Christian singer/songwriter Michael Wilkins performs live at Marie Haggin Accessories at Kent Station (441 Ramsay Way, Suite 103, Kent).

Questions & RSVPs? Call 253-859-9769 .

Every once in awhile someone will ask me why I love Kent. Sometimes it is someone far away from Washington who has no idea where Kent is or what it has to offer. Other times it is someone who visited Kent long ago and remembers it as a not-so-special place they wouldn’t go back to.

I’ve lived here for five years, but every week I discover something new to love about Kent. Here are 10 things I love about Kent, Washington!

1. People: Despite the fact that Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, it retains its small town feel. Everywhere I go I am greeted with a smile. People in Kent are some of the nicest I’ve ever met. They are open minded, welcoming and good natured.
2. Parks: Kent, Washington has a handful of beautiful-but-small lakes that are serene and peaceful. Most are adjacent to a city-owned park with almost every amenity you can imagine. There are specialty parks as well like Arbor Heights 360 and Wilson Playfields, encouraging outdoor recreation for kids and adults. Some of my favorite parks include Clark Lake Park, Lake Meridian Park, Fennewick Park and Town Square Plaza.
3. Entertainment: There is always something to do in Kent. We have everything here from Kent Station and ShoWare Center to a Historic District and Kent Historical Museum. We also have a wealth of arts programs and school drama programs that provide dozens of performances, plays and other opportunities every year. What’s even better is that many outlets offer free or affordable things to do. Who doesn’t love free?
4. Shopping: Kent does not have a mall, per se, but we have much more shopping than most people know about. In addition to the always-popular Kent Station, there are locally-owned stores like Marie Haggin Accessories, Fig & Feather, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique, Titusville Antiques and more. There are also little niche areas like the “International District” on 104th and the shopping plaza on 104th and Kent-Kangley Road (Joann Fabrics, Linda’s Apparel, etc.) No matter where I go, I can find something special that fits my taste and my budget. See our Shopping page for more stores.
5. Dining: No matter how picky or broad your tastes are, there are multiple restaurants, cafes and diners to suit everyone. For American diner-style food, Maggie’s on Meeker is a favorite. For Thai, I recommend Archa Thai in downtown Kent. For Indian, I love Punjab Sweets on the East Hill. Proud to display its diverse heritage, Kent has a little bit of everything. Visit our Dine page for more suggestions.
6. Diversity: It is politically correct to say you embrace diversity, but not everyone truly does. In Kent, though, I believe we have a diverse population as well as a culture of inclusion and acceptance. We have several areas of town and specific businesses that cater to particular populations (e.g., Indian, Ukrainian, Hispanic, etc.), but we are eager to learn from each other as well. With more than 120 languages spoken in our schools, for example, most schools have English-learning programs as well as International Days where students can share their culture. This year the city of Kent partnered with a group of citizens to put on the 2nd annual Kent International Festival in downtown Kent. As a more personal example, my daughter goes to Dr. Na of the Mountlake Acupuncture Clinic on Central Avenue. He was born, raised and educated in China. When we go for my daughter’s weekly treatments, we exchange stories about our respective cultures. I think we learn as much about Chinese culture as we do about acupuncture and healing!
7. Accessibility: When I say “accessibility,” I mean that people and government in Kent, Washington are accessible to the average resident. I truly believe that anyone in Kent can send an email to the mayor or place a call to the police chief and get a prompt, personal response. I feel very comfortable that are our local leaders are accessible as well as eager to listen.
8. Entrepreneurial spirit: I love the fact that people in Kent, Washington have an entrepreneurial spirit about them. This includes business owners who passionately build their own companies, but also teens and young adults in the area who want to make a difference. People in Kent don’t accept that we have to do things the way they’ve always been done. They say, “I don’t like this. Let’s change it.” One local citizens group, for example, wanted an off leash dog park on the East Hill. Recognizing that the city didn’t have the funds to build one, they created the park in cooperation with the city, raising money on their own and turning their dream into a reality. In another case, a group of teens calling itself Project U(th) formed this summer to create opportunities for work and leisure for their peers. In Kent, we are not afraid to work hard or to pave our own way. We are a spunky bunch!
9. Community pride: Kent has been called many derogatory names over the years, but those who love Kent remain proud of their city. We show up in the thousands for events like Kent Cornucopia Days, Seattle T Birds and Predators’ games and concerts like the Backstreet Boys and REO Speedwagon. We work together to show our spirit and to shout Kent’s strengths to the world. For example, Kent’s neighborhood program brings residents together to solve mutual problems, to beautify neighborhoods and to clean up graffiti. Call us what you want – we will love Kent anyway!
10. Beauty: While I’ve touched on this a bit in #1 through 9, I love the beauty of Kent which includes its parks, lakes and mountain views but also its historic buildings, its public art work and, most of all, its people.

Those are just 10 of the reasons I love Kent, Washington. Tell me some of yours! Post them here or email them to us at iLoveKent.net, and we’ll post them online.

Need a little more laughter in your life? Join Pat and friends to welcome nationally known comedian Morgan Preston to Pat’s Bar & Grill this Wednesday, August 4 at 7 p.m.

Pre-sale tickets are available for $10, or $15 at the door. For more info., visit Pat’s Bar & Grill online or visit Morgan Preston’s website.

Come early for dinner and enjoy outstanding food at affordable prices!

Thanks to Leora Schwitters of Rainier Youth Choirs for contributing this story.

Kent’s Rainier Youth Choirs received two standing ovations from an audience of 1,500 delegates representing 17 countries Tuesday night at the Delta Kappa Gamma Society International Convention in Spokane.

The first ovation, early in the program, was for Kent composer and DKG member Janice Hannesson Moen’s composition, “We Sing for the Children”.  The song, selected by the United Nations as the theme song for UNICEF’s CD promoting the Afghan Teacher Training Project in 2008, holds special significance for the Delta Kappa Gamma organization.  “I have never heard my song sung so well!” was Moen’s reaction.   Many in the audience were moved to tears.

The choirs presented a variety of songs from around the world.  Among the favorites were Quick’s arrangement of “Loch Lomond” featuring Kentwood High School’s 2010 graduate, Ryan Callahan, tenor, and “For Good” (from Wicked) with solos by alto Devon Wilson, Kentwood High School, 2010, and soprano Katie Wenndt, Kentridge High School, 2010.  The final showstopper was a rendition of Marcos Leite’s “Trěs Cantos Nativos dos Indios Kraó”, a set of three short songs from the Brazilian rain forest that began with an amazing rainstorm effect using body percussion.  Leora Schwitters, Rainier Youth Choirs’ Artistic Director, stated, “This was one of our finest programs ever.  The singers were entirely engaged and their performance was electric.  The use of two giant video screens above the stage and professional sound reinforcement allowed even those in the very back of the giant hall to participate in the intimacy of a heartfelt sharing of songs.  We were all transported in that magical way that only choral music can allow.”

Moen reported these and other complimentary reactions from audience members:  “That is the finest youth choir I’ve ever heard.”  “It was so inspiring!”  “I loved the variety of music they performed.”  “They have restored my faith in the youth of today.”  DKG delegate Joy Lauderbaugh of Kent shared that the convention newsletter included these quotes from attendees:  “The young people’s chorale was the best thing on the program.”  “I loved hearing the choirs and watching them make music together.  Outstanding examples of young people!”  “The Rainier Youth Choir set a high performance standard.  Washington is lucky to have talented musicians and a great director.”

For more information about this community nonprofit, visit Rainier Youth Choirs online.

Icon Theatre presents The Seahorse, a play by Edward J. Moore in late July – early August.

Tony Driscoll and Jennifer O’Brien star in ICON THEATRE’S presentation of the The Seahorse by Edward J. Moore, directed by Rebecca Lloyd. This riveting play examines the lives of Harry Bales and Gertrude Blum inside the walls of The Seahorse, a seaport bar.

This play features only one man and one women alone on stage discovering each other and working on love. This is not a fairy tale love story. It is dark and clouded with the sum of the past, but it illuminates what is possible when you commit yourself to loving someone unconditionally. Due to strong language, this performance is for mature audiences only (13 and up only please).

July 29, 30 & 31 and August 5, 6 & 7
7 pm curtain
Kentwood Performing Arts Center
Kentwood High School 25800 164th Ave. SE., Kent, WA  98042
Tickets are $10 each
Purchase online at Brown Paper Tickets

[Bonus: The theatre will be air conditioned, so come out to support the community with a dramatic theatrical performance by local actors.]

Update-July 2, 2010:  Opening date pushed back to July 16 (was originally set for July 14):

The City of Kent is bringing back the Morford Family Carousel the summer.  Your favorite Kent amusement  ride returns on July 16 at Town Square Plaza, on the corner of 2nd Avenue and Harrison Street in downtown Kent.  You can ride the 1940s classic Venetian-style carousel carousel through August 22 for a $2.00 donation.

This summer the carousel’s donations will benefit the Girl Scout Troop 41104, to help send the girls, next summer, to Savannah, GA, the Girl Scouts’ home base.  They will also be participating in other fundraising efforts including crafts.  So come to Downtown Kent with your family, do some shopping and go for a spin.

Weekly hours (may vary) will be:

Wednesdays, 11 am – 1:30 pm;
Thursdays, 5-8:30 pm;
Fridays, 5-8 pm;
Saturdays, 10:30 am – 3 pm; and
Sundays, 1-5 pm.

For more information, call 253-856-5110 or visit the City’s website at www.ci.kent.wa.us.

After a delicious lunch at Archa Thai Bistro on East Meeker St., Brooke, Larissa and her girls – Nadia & Kira – spent the afternoon at Kent Cornucopia Days. It was darn hot, but who could complain? The weather was significantly better than Fourth of July. Anyway, we had a great time.

I got a 10-minute back massage at Lemon Drop, a $5 brow wax at Blanc ‘n Schwartz, Brooke got a henna tattoo, Nadia & Kira had caricatures done, and we all got free face painting (think artsty, fun, colorful!) at Blanc ‘n Schwartz. We also met Miss Cornucopia, Lauren Vermilion, enjoyed a little ice cream and did a bit of shopping! Thank goodness for the nearby Wells Fargo ATM.

One of my favorite vendors had historic photos from around Washington. I bought three that were Kent-specific, one of the old Kent High School and two of the downtown area. They’ll look great in my office where most of the “iLoveKent” action happens.  : )

There was so much we didn’t have time to do though – we may go back again today for the Farmers’ Market and to see the booths and downtown friends we missed yesterday.  I would also like to swing by Lake Meridian today to see the Dragon Boat Races. I’ve never been to them before and this year is the 10th anniversary for the dragon boat races at Kent Cornucopia Days!

Hats off to Bill Westcott and the Kent Lions’ Club for putting on such a fun, family-friendly, all-volunteer event. Great job!

For more pix, visit our iLoveKent Facebook page.

Contributed by Melanie Mosshart

Sunshine!  Lots and lots of sunshine.  That alone will bring Kent residents out from hiding in their homes for fear of getting wet in the rain-drenched Kent Valley.  On Saturday, June 26^th however, not only were people fleeing from their homes to get outside, they actually enjoyed getting wet ~~ in the fountain downtown!

What curious event brought mommies, daddies, children and even dogs in droves to the Kent downtown area?  The captivating and exuberant Kent International Festival, that’s what.  It wasn’t the sunshine alone this time urging people to get out and go.  What a glorious day to partake in the second annual International Festival in conjunction with the Kent Farmers Market in downtown Kent.

Children splashed, vendors vended, cooks cooked, and dancers danced!  The Kent International Festival offered a variety of entertainment, food and an assortment of unique items with an international flair.

Kent’s Farmers Market started on a little plot of land near the Library with perhaps 8 booths, each housing the fruits of local growers and craftsmen. The Kent Farmers Market has grown substantially since its inception, and is a grand mixture of photography, crafts, colorful flowers, fresh garden vegetables and plants in addition to a diverse array of distinctive gifts for every taste.

Taste?  Did I mention taste?  The International Festival touted delicious food, whether your taste buds were craving hot dogs, Mexican, Indian, Thai or Teriyaki, food booths filled the air with the tempting aromas of your favorite cuisine, enticing wanderers to wander over for a plateful of delectable delights.

Delight?  Yes indeed, the dancing was decidedly delightful and the crowds enthusiastic with each and every entertaining event.  There were dancers representing Ireland, India and Chili to name a few, bringing broad smiles to the throng of onlookers.  In addition, the martial artists, drummers and various variety acts truly gave the event its international flavor.  And of course, our littlest dancer brought many a chuckle and applause as she twisted, dipped and tapped her toes with the music like the women on stage that she so enthusiastically emulated.

Representative Dave Upthegrove could be seen coaching the dancers and encouraging the crowd to support the efforts of Harpreet Gill, the chair woman of this successful event.  As a Kent resident, I took great pride in showing off Kent’s International Festival this weekend to a visitor from San Jose, who was duly impressed as well.  I was so pleased to have heard about the festivities through local vendors, because I hadn’t been aware of it before.  I have marked my calendar to watch for next year’s festival, and my suggestion is that you do the same; because if you are able to attend next year with me, I have no doubt that you too will be captivated by Kent’s tribute to a diverse culture and community.

Once again Kent Station is proud to present its free summer concert series, the Soulful Sounds of Summer, beginning Tuesday, July 6, 2010 with swing music by Casey MacGill’s Blue 4 Trio. Kent Station will offer the lively concerts on Tuesdays and Wednesdays through August 25.

Pick up lunch at one of Kent Station’s eateries for Take Out Tuesdays which run from noon to 1 p.m. and feature local bands and musicians like Rod Cook & Toast and Darren Motamedy. Before or after dinner, enjoy Kent Station’s Wednesday Date Night performances from 6 to 8 p.m. including EveryDay Jones, Knut Bell and more.

Kent Station’s Soulful Sounds of Summer concerts will be held on the Fountain Stage outside of AMC Theatres, and the live music is free to the public, thanks to premier sponsor Qliance and supporting sponsors Acura of Seattle at Southcenter and the City of Kent.

Qliance, a primary health care provider, officially opened at Kent Station in September 2009.

Meg Tronquet, marketing coordinator for Qliance, says, “Qliance is proud to be more than just a business in Kent, but an active participant in the community. We are delighted to support the concerts and offer free entertainment to the community and to our patients.”

The City of Kent is also sponsoring the free summer concert series as well as adding its own free entertainment line-up including Wednesday Picnic Performances at Town Square Plaza and Thursdays at the Lake at Lake Meridian Park.

“The City is pleased to continue its partnership with Kent Station for the summer concert series,” says cultural programs manager Ronda Billerbeck with the City of Kent. “These free events, along with our own, add value and entertainment to our community at a price everyone can afford!”

Sponsoring Soulful Sounds of Summer for the first time is Acura of Seattle at Southcenter.

“Acura of Seattle at Southcenter is a community partner and proud to support free events for local families and our customers,” says Cline Davis, General Manager.

For a complete schedule of the free summer concert series, visit http://KentStation.com, click on Events and Summer Concert Series. For a schedule of the City of Kent’s concerts, visit http://kentarts.com and click on Summer Concert Series.

Located on 18 acres in the heart of downtown Kent, Kent Station is an urban shopping village developed by Seattle-based Tarragon Development Company. The 470,000 sq. ft., mixed-use development features locally-owned and national retail stores, professional office space, and dining and entertainment, including a 14-screen AMC Theatres Cineplex and a branch campus of Green River Community College.

South King County Genealogical Society is hosting a Living History Performance on July 17 and 18 (1:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.) at Saar Pioneer Cemetery and 91st and 212th Way in Kent.

This performance tells a living history of six characters whose stories were taken from those buried at the cemetery. Each character will tell his or her own personal story of life in Kent beginning with Margaret Saar and ending with Civil War veteran Elias Clark.

For more information, call 253-850-2777. Admission is $10/person. Reservations are required. View flyer here.

A collaboration between The Saar Cemetery Living History Committee, Book-It Theatre, and Living Voices

WITH THE HELP OF THESE SPONSORS:

• South King County Genealogical Society
• Greater Kent Historical Society
• Saar Pioneer Cemetery Project Committee
• Goodwill Industries
• and Hilda Meryhew

Thanks to Meilee Anderson of Seattle Southside Tourism for passing along this unusual – but very cool – event!

The City of Kent invites you to celebrate the Fourth of July at Lake Meridian Park (14800 SE 272nd St., Kent) in the city’s annual Fourth of July Splash celebration from noon to 11 p.m. today!

Activities include:

• Old-fashioned games
• Athletic skills contests
• Family games
• Craft project
• Big Blue, the Kent Parks Mobile Technology Bus
• Face painting by “The Magic Brush”
• Inflatable bouncers
• Watermelon and pie eating contests
• Boat parade
• Entertainment on the stage
• Fireworks display

For more info., including shuttle bus locations and schedule, visit the City of Kent website.

The event is proudly sponsored by Allied Waste, Campbell’s Dentistry, Dollarwise Check Cashing & Loan Center, Kent School District, Marlatt Funeral Home, McDowell’s U Frame It, Smith Brothers Daily and RSC.

See Pat’s Bar & Grill online for more info.

And don’t forget Pat’s has live music every Friday & Saturday. Check the bar’s online calendar for dates, times and bands!

Have you seen the latest addition to Town Square Plaza? Here’s a day time shot of one of five illuminated sweet gum sculptures created by artist Elizabeth Conner and installed by the City of Kent. The goal? To illuminate the path between Kent Station and historic downtown Kent to show all that it has to offer!

Read more on the city’s website.

Kent Cornucopia Days is just around the corner. The 39th annual street fair and community festival will be held in and around Kent July 8 – 11, 2010 with a variety of favorite events (dragon boat races, carnival, Grand Parade) and a few new additions (bike ride).

Highlights include:

• Crowning of Miss Cornucopia
• Funtastic Shows Carnival
• Kent Lions Street Fair & Taste of Cornucopia
• Farmers Market (Sat., 9-2)
• Kent Youth Soccer Association’s 11th annual Cornucopia Cup Tournament
• Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show
• Kent Cornucopia Days First Annual Bike Ride
• Plaza and Gazebo Stages
• Dragon Boat Races
• Blood Drive
• Safety Fair
• Beer Garden
• Pet Adoptathon from KCACC
• Grand Parade (Sun., July 11 at 2 pm) – It’s Kentastic!
• First Annual Bike Ride (25 & 60 miles) (Sat., July 10)
• Military Displays from the Army National Guard, etc.
• Lions Bingo
• 5k Fun Run & Walk
• Beatles Tribute Band

For a complete schedule, please visit the Kent Lions Club’s Kent Cornucopia Days website.

Friday, July 2:   Qualifying and racing:  9 am – 5 pm
Saturday, July 3:  Saturday practice and racing
Sunday, July 4:  Sunday practice and racing

$25-day-long passes available per day OR by a multi-day pass for $40
Children ages 7 – 16 are $5 per day
VIP parking – $5; Field parking – $FREE

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Alfa Romeo, the Pacific Northwest Historics will feature approximately 250 of the world’s rarest pre-1970 race cars at next weekend’s event including Ferraris, Lotuses, Cobras, Corvettes and more. Some of the vehicles are valued at over $1 million. Guest celebrity and sports car racing legend Augie Pabst will be on hand as well.

All proceeds for the event benefit uncompensated care at Seattle Children’s Hospital in Seattle. Over the past 21 years, the event has raised more than $7 million for the cause. This year’s goal is $525,000.

For more info., visit the Pacific Raceways website or call 206-389-5200 (race hotline).

See you there!

This Saturday the Kent International Festival committee presents the second annual Kent International Festival at Town Square Plaza. Located in downtown Kent at the corner of 2nd and Smith Streets, the day-long festival will include informational booths, an international fashion show, ethnic music and performances, authentic native attire and more!

The festival will be held from 10 am to 6 pm and it is FREE to the public. This year’s theme is “Learn From Each Other.” Informational booths will host activities and provide information from different countries and cultures to help us bridge the gap of diversity.

In addition, Town Square Plaza and 2nd Street will feature the Kent Lions Club’s Farmers Market from 9 am to 2 pm. Don’t miss out on the action!

Sponsors:

Allied Waste

Kent4Health

Great American Casino

Neighbor2Neighbor

Adam’s DJ Service

Kent Chamber of Commerce

Kent Community Fund

Kent Downtown Partnership

Kent Lions Club