With a backdrop of warm weather and sunny skies, Kent Downtown Partnership’s inaugural Autumnfest 2010 was a big success. From 4 to 8 pm yesterday, Kent residents and visitors attended the event which was intended to provide free entertainment as well as to expose shops, restaurants and businesses in the Kent Historic District. More than 20 businesses and organizations participated in the event, which drew more than 100 to the downtown core.

“Very nice evening. Weather was perfect, everything was so festive. Thanks to all the shop owners for staying open late. We had a wonderful time,” said Carol Briscoe on Facebook.

Participating businesses were flagged with Smiley Face balloons, announcing to guests that they had wine samples, beer samples, tasty treats or a combination of the above. Visitors checked in at the KDP Information Booth at Kherson Park to receive their invitation and passport and to have their ID’s checked. Using the passport as a guide, folks took a self-guided tour through the Kent Historic District, having their passport initialed at each of 18 stops. By visiting at least 12 businesses, participants became eligible to win a $100 gift card to be used anywhere downtown. In addition, Project U(th) hosted activities and a babysitting service for kids. They sold ice cream, pizza and soda as a fundraiser, and did karoake and other activities with local children.

At Kherson Park, live music was provided by 7 Second Delay along with dance performances by South Side Dance Force. Here’s a photo of the dancers in action, displaying a Zumba routine.

“Drove down from Snohomish to enjoy this “party.” Had a great time meeting shop owners and meeting in person friends from Facebook. Thanks, KDP, for stepping out and putting this event on,” Tom Dealy said.

Thanks to the Kent Downtown Partnership, local businesses and merchants and KDP board members who helped put on the event. Participating businesses included:

• Kent Downtown Partnership
• Management Accounting Specialists
• Project U(th)
• South Side Dance Force
• 7 Second Delay
• Cheryl’s Unique Boutique
• Fig and Feather
• Creamery Art Gallery & Frame Shop
• Treasures
• Maggie’s on Meeker
• Manderly Consignment & Gifts
• Pottery-fic Studio
• Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage
• Perk Up Place
• Titusville Trading Co.
• Airways Brewery
• Intimate Pilates
• NW Electrology
• Petrik Photography Studio
• Earthworks Gem Design Studio
• Pat’s Bar & Grill
• Kelsey Keener, Edward Jones Investments

Event sponsors:  Kent Downtown Partnership, Umpqua Bank, Virtually Yourz, Cheryl’s Unique Boutique and Lemon Drop Skin Care & Massage Studio