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.

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!

This isn’t in Kent, but it sounds like fun so I thought I’d pass it along.

Impromptu Wine Tasting
Friday, July 16
12 – 3 p.m.

Wine tasting, cheese & crackers, gift baskets and 10% off, in addition to the wine club discount

Northwest Wine Academy
Wine & Welding Building
South Seattle CC Campus
6000 16th Ave. SW
Seattle, WA  98106

Call 206-764-7942 for more info.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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

Where can you hang out with your friends, get great food at affordable prices and live entertainment? Pat’s Bar & Grill on Railroad Avenue. Pat’s is a comfortable, casual bar owned by Pat Ensign. Pat makes sure his guests have a good time while enjoying an affordable night on the town.

To keep his guests entertained, he features live comedy the first Wednesday of the month, sports nights featuring local teams, Taco Tuesdays (2 tacos for $2), poker tournaments and more. For a list of current events, check out Pat’s event calendar online.

In addition, Pat is an active member of the Kent community, volunteering, participating in and hosting fundraisers for local nonprofits including Children’s Therapy Center. Way to go, Pat!

So the next time you’re trying to decide where to go for a good time, check out Pat’s. It isn’t fancy, but you are guaranteed to have a good time! See you there!

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

Hours:

Mon-Thurs.   10am to 11pm
Friday  10am to 1:30am
Saturday  9am to 1:30pm
Sunday  9am to 1:30am

If you are looking for star quality entertainment on a shoestring budget, check out Snoqualmie Casino’s summer concert series. Located about 25 miles away from Kent, Snoqualmie Casino has invited popular acts to perform this summer including Gallagher, Wynonna, Clint Black, Rob Thomas, The Beach Boys, ZZ Top and more.

Visit Snoqualmie Casino online for a complete summer concert schedule.

Have a job opening at your cafe or restaurant? Need a part-time, temporary helper? Kent college student Jasmine Albertson is looking for work.

• Barista experience
• Flexible schedule
• Friendly, personable
• Quick learner

For more info. or to request a copy of her resume, contact Jasmine via email or call 206-550-4524.

Kent International Festival is hosting a fundraiser dinner on Saturday, June 19 (6-9 pm) called International Taste of Kent. Enjoy an evening of international food and entertainment including a full dinner from five of the city’s top international restaurants:  Greek, Chinese, Thai, Indian and Mexican.

Saturday, June 19, 2010
6 to 9 p.m.
Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent, WA
Tickets are $50 each or $350 for a table of 8

Greek – Chinese – Thai – Indian- Mexican
Irish Step Dancers – Japanese Taiko Drummers – Indian Punjabi Dancers

For reservations, call 253-852-0874 or visit KIF online.

Sponsored by the City of Kent Sister Cities Association and Kent4Health.

This Friday the Greater Kent Historical Society will host an open house at the Kent Historical Museum (855 E. Smith St., Kent) to celebrate Kent’s 120th birthday — Friday, May 28 from 4 to 7 p.m.

City of Kent:  120th Anniversary
1890-2010

Join us on the anniversary day of Kent becoming the 2nd city incorporated in  King County, May 28, 1890!

•    New Mayoral History Display
•    Heavy hors d’oeuvres & cake
•    Presentation program at 6pm

Questions? Call 253-854-4330.

Kent Downtown Partnership (KDP) hosts its next Downtown Breakfast Hour on Friday, June 4 at the ShoWare Center’s Club Lounge (625 W. James St., Kent).

Networking begins at 7:15 a.m., followed by Mayor Suzette Cooke’s thought for the day, an update from the City of Kent, a rundown on KDP’s upcoming events, safety & security committee information and community starz awards. In addition, Kirk Davis from GRCC’s Small Development Center and Mark Albertson (Albertson Law) will present “Out Compete, Get More Customers.”

For more info. or to RSVP, contact KDP at 253-813-6976 or via email.

This KDP event is being sponsored by:

Suzanne Cameron, Around the Clock, Inc.
Roland & Company, CPA PS
Judy Woods, Friend of Kent Downtown Partnership

Sip Snack Shop  for $20
Wednesday, May 26th 6 – 9pm

Tastings and Bites at Four of your Favorite Kent Station Restaurants

Enjoy 2 wine tastings and 1 bite size food pairing at each of the following:

• Duke’s Chowder House
• Mama Stortini’s
• Pizzeria Fondi
• Kaiten Sushi

Live Music from Raucous Band from 7-9pm on the Kent Station Fountain Stage.

Sip Snack Shop ticket holders may enjoy special offers from participating merchants all day Wednesday, May 26th.

Get your girlfriends together for a fun night out.

Purchase Tickets now through Paypal, or by calling 253.856.2301

The National Association of Letter Carriers, in conjunction with the U.S. Postal Service, will be collecting non-perishable food items this Saturday, May 8, 2010 during their normal delivery times. Please help families in need by collecting food for your local food bank and putting it by your mailbox  by 8 a.m. this Saturday.

Suggested donations include:

• Canned meats and fish (e.g., tuna)
• Canned soup
• Juice
• Pasta
• Vegetables
• Cereal and rice

You can also give online at Food Lifeline or mail a donation to Food Lifeline, ATTN:  Stamp, 1702 NE 150th St., Shoreline, WA  98155. 95% of each donation goes toward feeding hungry people. Every $1 feeds a family of 4.

Food or Rent? Could You Choose?  42% of the people Food Lifeline serves had to make this difficult choice.

National Partners:

USPS Priority Mail
Campbell’s
ValPak
United Way
AFL-CIO Feeding America

The Kent Reporter names the 2010 Winners in the “Best of Kent” contest, sponsored by Kent Station. Here are just a few of our favorites:

Community Volunteer: Suzanne Cameron, winner and Lee Anderson, nominee

Police Officer: Chief Steve Strachan

Public Official: Mayor Suzette Cooke

Realtor: Marti Reeder, John L. Scott

Teacher: Sara Palmer, Mattson Middle School

Waiter: Michelle @ Maggie’s on Meeker

Spa Services: Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage

Italian Cuisine: Paolo’s

Gift Store: Marie Haggin Accessories

Favorite Family Destination: Kent Station

For a complete list, visit the Kent Reporter’s Best of Kent “insert” online.

The planning committee for the second annual Kent International Festival is hard at work to make the June 26 festival even bigger and better than last year. This day-long event will focus on the diverse culture of Kent, Washington and encourage participants to learn from each other.

Want to help? It is easy to get involved. The KIF committee is looking for:

- Arts & crafts vendors
- Performers
- Information booths
- Fashion show participants
- Event sponsors

If you are interested in learning more about the event, or volunteering in one of the above ways, please contact Harpreet Gill, event chair, at Punjab Sweets (open daily from 11 am to 9 pm) at 253-859-3636.

Kent International Festival
Saturday, June 26
10 am – 6 pm
Town Square Plaza
Corner of 2nd and Smith
(across from the Kent Regional Library)

FREE Event