Last year I attended the Farmer’s Market in Kent once. It was a block long, across from the library. It was nice for a “small town” but it wasn’t anything special. Mind you, I moved here from Bellingham which had the best of all farmer’s markets, so my expectations were high.

I attended the Farmer’s Market this past Saturday while my parents were visiting, and it was much better than last year. There were two full blocks of vendors on both sides of the street, on 2nd between Smith and Meeker at Town Square Plaza, and there was so much to choose from:  fresh flowers, wonderful fruits and vegetables, baked goods, artistry, jewelry, home decor, hot food vendors, informational vendors (e.g., ACPA, KDP) and more. I was quite impressed.

We brought bags and bags home:  fresh flowers for the table, carrots, sweet corn, cheesy bread, cookies, a bird feeder and more!

If you’re in the neighborhood or in the mood for something fresh and different (and much of it organic), stop by the Kent Farmer’s Market – sponsored by Kent Lions Club -  on Saturdays from 9 am to 2 pm at Town Square Plaza through September 26. I know I’ll go back!

Kent’s largest festival of the year, Kent Cornucopia Days, has been scheduled for July 9 through July 12 in downtown Kent. Named “The Festival of the Valley,” this is the 38th year for Kent Cornucopia Days. The annual festival is sponsored by the Kent Lions Club and was first held in 1934.

Highlights include:

• Dragon Boat Races
• Cornucopia Carnival
• Cornucopia Cup – Soccer
• Cornucopia 5K Run/Walk
• Grand Parade
• Kent Farmers Market
• King County Jaguars “Cornucopia Bowl IV”  Football Game
• Skateboard and Inline Skate Tournaments
• Lions Street Fair
• Party on the Plaza @ ShoWare Center
• …and much more!

For complete details, visit Kent Cornucopia Days online. Don’t miss the largest family festival in South King County!

Enjoy fresh produce from local farmers and arts & crafts from local artisans at the Kent Farmer’s Market. Starting today through September 26, the Kent Farmer’s Market will be available every Saturday at Town Square Plaza at the corner of Second Avenue and West Smith Street. Check it out for fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, baked goods, arts and crafts and more.

For more info., visit www.kentfarmersmarket.com or call 253-486-9316.

Sponsored by the Kent Lions Club

The Washington Recreation & Park Association (WRPA) has selected Town Square Plaza as Best Park in its class (population 35,000+). The award will be presented at the Association’s annual awards banquet, Thursday, April 30, at the Spokane Conference Center.
 
WRPA plays a vital role in promoting public support for parks and recreation and increasing awareness of the necessity to preserve, enhance, and utilize resources for a balanced lifestyle. The Association established seven awards to recognize organizations and individuals, both volunteers and professionals, for their contributions to the park and recreation field. 
 
Open since June 2008, Town Square Plaza’s 35,000-square-foot site was designed to link Kent’s historic downtown with Kent Station.  Its interactive water features, stage for performances, Farmers’ Market and multi-age appeal attract users from dawn to late evening during the summer months.  During the holidays it is the site of the Morford Family Carousel.
 
Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services’ Director Jeff Watling congratulated staff involved, saying, “Town Square Plaza was originally designed as the third phase of a development to include a hotel, condos and a parking garage.  Several months before work was set to begin on our plaza, the developer for the rest of the project went bankrupt, leaving the project with a half-constructed parking garage.  The City of Kent forged ahead and followed through on our commitments.  This award is particularly gratifying in light of the issues we overcame.”