Kent TV21 has created and is now showing “Welcome to Kent:  The Panther Lake Annexation” to discuss the city’s plans to annex the neighborhood on July 1, 2010. Featuring Mayor Suzette Cooke, planning director Fred Satterstrom and members of Citizens for Annexation to Kent, the program will discuss the annexation and how it will impact the community. To view the program, visit KentTV21 online.

Once the Panther Lake annexation of 24,000 residents is complete, the City of Kent will become the sixth largest city in the State of Washington. For more information about the annexation, visit the city’s online annexation resource.

Friday, February 12, 2010 — Today Indoor Football League Commissioner Tommy Benizio officially kicked off the 2010 IFL season at Kent’s ShoWare Center, home of the Kent Predators, one of two new IFL expansion teams.

“This is a great game and we can’t wait to unveil it,” Commissioner Benizio said. “We are real pleased to grow here in Kent.”

Benizio was one of half a dozen speakers at today’s press conference called by the Kent Predators to introduce Benizio, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of Football Operations Brian Brents, Head Coach William McCarthy, the Kent Predators football team and dance team.

“Welcome Kent,” Mayor Cooke said. “We are going to be a great team together. I love wolves and I love purple. We’re going to beat everybody!”

Ken Moninski, co-owner of the team, said the team is excited to call the new ShoWare Center home and welcomed everyone to come watch the fan-friendly game.

“We’re going to make the city proud,” he said. “The support here is phenomenal. We’ll have a very successful season on and off the field.”

Co-owner Kokalis agreed, citing the team’s commitment to the City of Kent and his enthusiasm about the staff, players, team and community partnerships.

“We’re going to make Kent the best community in the state of Washington,” Kokalis added.

Brents, who took the El Paso Generals to a 12 and 2 season in 2009, serves as the Kent Predators VP of Football Operations. He, too, showed his support of the team and community.

“This is exciting, y’all!”

One of Brents’ first tasks was to hire head coach William McCarthy, who previously served as assistant coach to the El Paso Generals. McCarthy said the community would love the fast-paced game and encouraged the crowd to attend the team’s first practice during training camp this Sunday at Wilson Playfields (132nd and 248th on Kent’s East Hill).

Defensive back Kevin Jones, who played football for Kentwood High School, said he is anxious to start the season.

“We’re playing this game not just for ourselves but for the whole community,” Jones said. “I’m glad to be home!”

The team’s first game is an away game on February 28 against the Billings Outlaws, the 2009 defending champions of the United Bowl. The Predators’ first home game will be at ShoWare Center on Friday, March 12.

“We’d like to put a sellout here,” Kokalis said.

For more information about the Kent Predators, visit the team online or contact Jim Granacker, VP of operations, at 253-239-3254.

Kent Predators Receiver Eric "Shampoo" Taylor and Mayor Suzette Cooke

In a press release from Jim Granacker, director of operations for the Kent Predators, the Kent Predators announced that the community and media are invited to attend a press conference this Friday, February 12 at ShoWare Center to meet members of the front office and coaching staff, including team owners Chris Kokalis and Ken Moninski, VP of football operations and Predators head coach William McCarthy. The group will discuss their first season which kicks off with its first home game on Friday, March 12. In addition, Mayor Suzette Cooke will be available to answer questions regarding how the Predators’ presence in Kent will affect the community.

Also making an appearance is IFL Commissioner Tommy Benizio who will officially kick-off the league’s season tomorrow.

“Heading into the league’s second season, the IFL has quickly established itself as the nation’s premier indoor football league,” he stated in the February 10 press release.  “I am very excited to come to Kent to announce the kickoff of the 2010 campaign and to watch the Predators compete in our Pacific North Division this year.”

The Indoor Football League (IFL) was started in 2008 from a merger between the Intense Football League and United Indoor Football Association. Two years later, the IFL consists of 25 teams in 13 states in six divisions. The IFL season is 14-games long and the season’s regular schedule runs from March through June. The season ends with playoffs in August, followed by the IFL United Bowl.

Refreshments will be served at 2:30 pm as informal announcements are made. The question and answer session will begin promptly at 3:00 pm.

For more information, contact Jim Granacker at 253-239-3254 or via email.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010, Kent, Washington–Today Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke gave her annual State of the City Address at the February Kent Chamber membership luncheon. With a packed room at the ShoWare Center, Mayor Cooke revisited 2009.

“This past year was challenging, not just for this city, but for all governments, large and small,” Mayor Cooke said. “Kent, like all cities, worked under a tightening budget.”

She is, however, optimistic about three things:  1) that 2009 is over; 2) the economy appears to be recovering; and 3) flood season is ending. She recounted a number of the city‘s 2009 highs and lows, including:

1)  The popularity of ShoWare Center which brought 350,000 guests through its doors in 2009, including 60,000 guests who saw Disney on Ice at the new sports arena

2)  The implementation of the new CodeRED system which allows the city to make 60,000 emergency contacts per hour via phone, email and text message

3)  The four labor unions taking voluntary pay cuts to avoid staff reductions and to help the city save more than $1 million in 2009 spending

4)  2.8%, or $2.2 million, drop in revenue

5)  8.1%, or $1.5 million, drop in sales tax revenue

6)  Elimination of 56 positions within the city, about half of which resulted in layoffs. Other vacant positions were not filled.

7)  Expansion of Kent Station with the GRCC expansion

8)  1,677 Kent Parks volunteers

9)  4,000 volunteer hours spent removing graffiti

10)  Annexing Panther Lake to occur July 1, 2010, making Kent the sixth largest city in the state

In addition to these items, Mayor Cooke reviewed the 2010 budget, stating that public safety remains the city’s #1 priority. The 2010 budget is 5.6% less than the 2009 budget and it includes $1 million to be set aside for emergencies like potential flooding.

“Things are looking a lot better economically,” she added.

A topic of major concern was, of course, the flood risk of the Howard Hanson Dam. Once predicted at a 1 in 4 chance of flooding, the flood risk has dropped to 1 in 33. While this is a positive step, Mayor Cooke said, a permanent fix is not available for three to five years.

“Any kind of delay is simply unacceptable,” she added. “Until that dam is fixed, it is going to haunt us.”

To help control potential flooding, the city raised levies by three feet, successfully completing the task before the beginning of flood season last fall. In addition, Mayor Cooke thanked the community, business leaders and service groups for helping to spread the word about potential flood risks as well as helping one another fill sand bags and helping seniors and the disabled prepare for a flood.

Mayor Cooke singled out a number of city staff and community and business leaders for their support of the Kent community. She thanked them for their tireless service and for making Kent the great place that it is. One person instrumental in the city’s survival of a difficult year was Chief Administrative Officer John Hodgsen.

“John Hodgsen is an outstanding leader and worker in the city,” Mayor Cooke said.

The overall mood of the meeting was positive and Mayor Cooke left the audience with some new things to watch for:  a redesigned website, taking the inbox newsletter to an email format, and the second annual International Festival, set for June 26, and the Kent Refugee and Immigrant Forum.

“It’s 2010 and I’m smiling,” Mayor Cooke said.

The event was presented by the Kent Chamber of Commerce, sponsored by Allied Waste and co-sponsored by Kent Downtown Partnership. The program was taped to be shown on Kent TV21 at a later date.

According to a press release issued today by Michelle Witham of the City of Kent, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke will deliver her annual “State of the City” address on Wed., February 3 at 11:30 a.m. This year’s luncheon will be held at the ShoWare Center during the monthly Kent Chamber luncheon.

The mayor, who is beginning her second term in office, will focus on public safety, the local economy and quality of life for Kent residents. In addition, she will discuss highlights and accomplishments from 2009.

The cost per person is $20 which includes lunch. For those who can’t attend the event, it will be broadcast on Comcast Channel 21 and online at Kent TV 21.

For more information, visit the Kent Chamber online. To RSVP for the luncheon, contact Marge Williams at 253-854-1770.

We have a great day of family fun planned for guests of Kent Winterfest, A Holly Jolly Day in Kent, scheduled for Saturday, December 5, 2009 from 8 am to 6 pm. Here is our current schedule of events:

• 8 am – 2 pm: Holly Jolly All-You-Can-Eat Pancake Breakfast at Maggie’s on Meeker, sponsored by Kent AM Kiwanis
• 9 am – 5 pm: Holiday Parks Bazaar at Kent Commons
• 9 am – 7 pm: PediCabs
• 10 am – 7 pm (and 9 pm at Kent Station): Merchants Open for Holiday Shopping & Dining in downtown Kent and Kent Station
• 11 am: Holly Jolly One Mile Kids & Kritters Walk with Mayor Suzette Cooke and Kent4Health
• 11:30 am: KM Jazz Band on 2nd Avenue across from the Kent library
• 12 – 2 pm: Meet the Kent Fire Department at 2nd & Meeker
• 12 – 8 pm: Morford Family Holiday Carousel
• 1 – 5 pm: Horse drawn carriage
• 3 – 5 pm: SilverBells Carolers roving through Historic Downtown Kent
• 4 pm: Holiday Reading at Green River Community College
• 4:30 – 6:30 pm: Kent Lions’ Parade, Santa’s Arrival, 6-Foot Christmas Stocking Giveaway and Annual Tree Lighting
• 5:00: Allegro Performing Arts
• 5:15 pm: KM Jazz Choir, Sound Connection at 2nd Avenue across from the Kent library

Share your Holly Jolly spirit by bringing a nonperishable food item for the Kent Food Bank. For more info., visit Kent Winterfest online or call KDP at 253-813-6976.

With 21.22% of ballots cast by registered voters, Mayor Suzette Cooke was re-elected with 5,133 votes (68.8%) to Jim Berrios’ 2,309 votes (30.95%).

In other contested races, Dennis R. Higgins won Kent City Council Position No. 4 over Dana Ralph, and Elizabeth Albertson retained Kent City Council Position No. 6 over Geoff Koepp. Jamie Danielson, who ran for Kent City Council Position No. 2 unopposed, will retain her seat as well.

As of 8 p.m. last night, a total of 7,827 ballots had been received out of 36,888 registered voters. For complete election results, visit the King County Elections page.

Throughout this election season, I have attempted to remain neutral on iLoveKent.net. As a journalist who holds herself closely to the SPJ Code of Ethics, I felt it was important to present both sides fairly which I have done. I have also refrained from stating my personal opinion regarding who I am supporting in the Kent mayoral election. Those who know me well know that I made my vote without reservation.

Before I continue, let me disclose my relationships with both Mayor Suzette Cooke and mayoral candidate and KSD school board president Jim Berrios. I used to be a contractor for the city. I am no longer working with the city on projects, but I frequently interview city officials and employees for articles for publication. I have also interviewed Jim Berrios  for several stories I’ve written for publication, one local publication and a trade publication for the newspaper advertising industry.

Without divulging my personal choice for mayor, I ask you to consider the following when casting your vote (if you have not already done so):

• Each candidate’s record of service to the community:   Mayor Suzette Cooke as our mayor for the last four years with numerous community and governmental achievements, and Jim Berrios as a community volunteer, business owner and president of the KSD school board.

• Each candidate’s behavior during the campaign. Did your preferred candidate conduct him or herself honorably, focusing on the issues (e.g., budget, flooding, economy) rather than minutia?

• When faced with difficult decisions like how to handle flooding, manage transportation issues, boost our economy and settle the school district strike, did your candidate act in the community’s best interests?

• Does your candidate of choice have a plan for the next four years? If so, do you understand and agree with it?

• Is his or her campaign platform clear and does it benefit the community at large, or primarily special interest groups?

• Do you have any reservations whatsoever about your candidate’s loyalty?

As you consider these items, I ask you to also consider the media coverage and debates that have taken place. There has been a fair amount of mudslinging and the race has gotten ugly in some instances. From where I sit, that mud is coming from one side more than the other, however. That tells me a lot about the integrity of the candidates and how I can expect them to represent me and the City of Kent into the future.

I invite anyone to comment on the mayoral candidates and how they have (or have made) their choice for mayor of Kent.

Thanks for listening,

Call me naive but I was taught that candidates in any election should stand on their own merits and not rely on underhanded tactics, mudslinging or smear campaigns to win votes.

Because I work in a home office and I am sheltered from what’s going on in terms of water cooler talk and local gossip, I am always surprised to hear when candidates – or their volunteers – are behaving badly. Last week, for example, word was sent to me that the upcoming mayoral election between incumbent Mayor Suzette Cooke and opponent Jim Berrios is heating up.There are also two contested city council races that could turn contentious.

One side claims the other has started a phone calling campaign to bash the opposition. I’ve also heard that candidates are posturing and otherwise behaving differently than they would in a non-election year, and I’ve seen campaign signs from both signs vandalized, pulled out of the ground or removed altogether.

Regardless of who is behind this behavior, I find it appalling. We are all adults and capable of standing behind our record of achievements, our promises for the future and our commitment to the community. Why, then, must we resort to childish tactics to get noticed or to smear an opponent? Rather than getting me to dislike a smeared opponent, I am more likely to rally against the one who is having the public temper tantrum. That’s not the type of candidate I want to see in office. How about you?

~ Dana Neuts, publisher, iLoveKent.net

Friday, October 2 is CITY OF KENT night at the Seattle Thunderbirds

Seattle Thunderbirds vs. Tri-City Americans
Friday, October 2, 2009
7:30 p.m.
ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent, WA 98032
Free parking on site and at Park-n-Ride lot across the street

$22 premium seats for only $18  (promo code:  “kent”)

For tickets, go to:  tickets.seattlethunderbirds.com.

More details here.

Watch Mayor Suzette Cooke drop the puck!

New information 10/2/09 from City of Kent:

Starting the weekend of October 10, the City will begin placement of 20,000 giant sandbags on 12 miles of Kent’s levees.

Each giant sandbag is 3×3 feet wide, stands 3 feet tall and weighs 1.7 tons, or 3,375 lbs. They will be covered with black vinyl plastic to help seal them and keep water from getting inside, as well as protect them from ultra-violet (UV) damage.

City staff will place an equal number of small sandbags to hold the plastic vinyl in place.

Originally posted 9/23/09:

Contact:
Michelle Witham, City of Kent
253-856-5709
mwitham@ci.kent.wa.us

Giant Sandbags Ordered to Help Prevent Flooding

Kent Mayor Takes Proactive Step to Protect Valley Residents and Businesses

KENT, Wash. – September 22, 2009 – With restrictions on the water pool level behind the Howard Hanson Dam, Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke, Chair of the King County Flood Control Zone District Advisory Committee, took a proactive step to reduce potential flooding this winter in the Green River Valley.  “Our first line of defense should be to fight the flood at the levee – not in the Valley,” Cooke declared.  “It is much less costly to prevent flooding in the first place, than to suffer the financial and emotional expense of cleaning up after a flood.”

Cooke requested staff begin purchasing giant sandbags for placement on top of the Green River levee system within Kent’s city limits.   The City is coordinating its efforts with the US Army Corps of Engineers, King County and the other Valley cities of Auburn, Tukwila and Renton.

According to Larry Blanchard, Kent’s Public Works Director, these structures are a proven method to assist in flood-fighting.  “Giant sandbags have been successfully used around the country to manage the flow of water,” Blanchard said.  “They would be up to three feet high and weigh 3,500 pounds each.  They are easily installed and can be placed on top of Kent’s levees to increase their height.”

A recent engineering survey of the levee elevation indicated with every one foot increase in height of the river bank, the Green River gains an additional 1,000 CFS (cubic feet per second) capacity.  “The giant sandbags will provide additional capacity in the Green River, allowing us to protect ourselves up to 13,900 CFS with three feet of free board space above the river’s main flow level,” Blanchard said.

The City previously considered using giant water-filled bladders, or aqua-dams, to line the levee system but determined that sandbags are more sturdy.  Aqua-dams may be used as a second line of defense.

Kent officials are still preparing for potential flooding this winter due to concerns about the Howard Hanson Dam after sink holes were discovered in its right abutment last January.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who has responsibility for the dam, has warned that it will not be able to hold back as much water as in the past during heavy rains, therefore increasing the risk of flooding downstream.

“Even with giant sandbags in place along the levees, every resident and business in the Green River Valley needs to purchase flood insurance and devise a plan for evacuation,” Cooke said.  “Emergency measures are linked to our web site, www.choosekent.com, and being distributed through numerous meetings and mailings.  While the dam itself is not under our jurisdiction, the City is doing all that it can within its authority to prevent a disaster.”

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population over 88,000. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information, visit www.choosekent.com.

First sports arena in North America to be awarded LEED® Gold Rating by the U.S. Green Building Council

The City of Kent learned today ShoWare Center, its new multi-purpose sports and entertainment facility, has been awarded LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). This designation makes ShoWare Center the first sports arena in North America to achieve such a rating.

“I’m extremely proud of this achievement,” said Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke. “Receiving LEED Gold certification reaffirms our efforts to balance economic development with being good stewards of the environment. It’s also pretty cool to be the first on the continent!”

LEED is a voluntary, consensus-based national certification program for developing high-performance sustainable buildings that provide immediate and measurable results for building owners and occupants.

Points are awarded in six environmental categories as defined by LEED: sustainable sites, water efficiency, energy and atmosphere, materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and design.

Ben Wolters, Kent’s Economic Development Director and project lead for the City said throughout planning and construction, the City, along with Mortenson Construction, LMN Architects, and Seattle Thunderbirds were targeting a Silver rating, requiring 33 points. “Because of a tremendous commitment by the entire team, the project earned 40 points, with a perfect score for innovation and design,” Wolters added.

Highlights of ShoWare Center’s green features include:
• Premium parking for fuel-efficient vehicles and car and vanpools
• Low-flowing water fixtures and dual-flush toilets exceed 40% water savings when compared to similar buildings
• Native plant landscaping that doesn’t require watering
• Energy efficient lighting, heating, cooling, ventilation and ice-making equipment reducing energy use by over 37%
• More than 90% of the construction debris was recycled
• Constructed using more than 50% Forest Stewardship Council certified wood
• Low volatile organic compound paints and adhesives were used to minimize indoor contaminants that exacerbate respiratory problems
• Excess heat rejected from the ice-making equipment is used to warm the ground under the ice rink to maintain the integrity of the foundation

Designed by LMN Architects with consultation by Paladino and Company, one the leading green building consultants in the United States, the City went above and beyond the minimum requirements to achieve a Silver rating for the building.

“While building “green” costs significantly more upfront, ultimately the City will see a cost savings in the long run,” Wolters said. “LEED buildings cost less to operate and maintain and are energy and water efficient.”

ShoWare Center has received several awards since opening in January including the American Institute of Architects Civic Design Award and Green Building of America Award by the Real Estate & Construction Review.

Additional information on Center’s green building features and images are available at www.showarecenter.com.

More information on the LEED green building certification system is available at www.usgbc.org/LEED.

The City of Kent is the fourth largest city in King County, Washington with a population or 88,380. As a culturally rich destination, Kent’s dynamic quality of life features captivating neighborhoods, award-winning parks, an exceptional school district, and nationally accredited police and fire departments. In recent years, Kent has experienced impressive economic growth, and is nationally known as a prime location for manufacturing. For more information about the City of Kent, please visit www.choosekent.com.

At the Kent Downtown Partnership’s annual Dinner and Silent Auction, the KDP announced this year’s winners in various categories for business leadership. Among this year’s winners:

Mayor Suzette Cooke, for her leadership in bringing the ShoWare Center to Kent

Frankie Keyes, for design for the facade renovation of three buildings on First Avenue South

Karl Beavers, owner of Children’s Bookshop (corner of Meeker and Second Ave. South), for design and storefront improvements

Steve and Donna St. Louis, owners of Earthworks Gem Design Studio, as Best Retailer

Mychal Boiser, Kona Kai Coffee Co., as Best Restaurant

John Hinds, Kent Station general manager, and Greg Haffner, partner at Curran Law Firm, President’s Awards

Sue Froyd (AAA Pest Control, Maggie’s on Meeker and Bittersweet Restaurant), Dee Moschel Business Volunteer of the Year

Congratulations to all of this year’s winners!

Source:  The Business Report

In a show of support for their co-workers, City of Kent employees (union and non-represented) agreed to take a paycut to help save the jobs of their co-workers. According to a press release issue by the City yesterday, the move helped the City of Kent to bridge a portion of the projected 2009 budget shortfall of $4 million. In addition, the paycuts will help the City to avoid the layoff of 20 positions, saving the City $1.3 million.

Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke:  “I am extremely proud of the compassion and caliber of people working for the City of Kent. Their pulling together for their co-workers is very heartening in this tough economy.  It is this kind of teamwork that will see us through.”

City Administration continues to closely monitor the economy, and in particular, the State of Washington’s projected $8.9 million deficit.  “We are not out of the woods yet,” Cooke said.  “As we see what budget decisions are made in the state legislature we will develop and implement changes to the city’s budget accordingly.”

For more information, contact Michelle Witham at the City of Kent or view this online piece aired by KING5 yesterday.

Hello, readers and I Love Kent followers. I attended Kent Mayor Suzette Cooke’s “State of the City” address yesterday at the ShoWare Center. I did not attend as a reporter, but I can’t help but take notes. For those of you who weren’t able to attend or watch the online version, here is a brief synopsis of her presentation.

About the ShoWare Center

- Mayor’s speech was the first major speaking event at the new ShoWare Center.
- ShoWare Center opened on January 2 with 10,000 in attendance. The Seattle Thunderbirds accommodated with a win!
- ShoWare Center is the FIRST green arena in the United States!
- It is anticipated that the ShoWare Center will bring in 400,000 people and $16 million in revenue to Kent each year.
- It is the city’s most significant economic project since Kent Station.
- City has signed a five-year lease to use the Park and Ride on James Street for ShoWare Center parking.
- The building was completed in 17 months with more than 100 city staff involved in the project.
- It won’t cost taxpayers any extra money to have the ShoWare Center in Kent.

Other City Topics
- City is reducing operating expenses, delaying hires and vehicle replacements and eliminating contracts to offset a drop in revenue.
- As of 12/31/08, city revenue dropped 14%.
- City workers who are unionized are working with the city to cut costs to avoid layoffs.
- 28 employees have not be replaced, so current city staff is trying to meet resident needs despite the manpower shortfall.
- “Our employees have been wonderful.”
- Alaska Copper and Brass Company is moving to Kent, bringing at least 100 new jobs to the area.
- The city has $50 million in pending projects in the permitting process.
- Other developments: Hampton Inn is building a 100-room facility on 64th; a new office building and banquet hall is being built near Top Foods (at the site of the old skate center); and GRCC is expanding, creating space for 700 additional students to attend the two-year college.
- City needs to focus on bringing high quality downtown residents to the area to access our stores and businesses.
- City will encourage mixed use urban buildings.
- City is looking at changes in the permitting process to make it easier to do business in Kent.
- Neighborhood program has established 15 new neighborhood councils. The West Hill neighborhood council has reduced crime in its area by 40%!
- City wants to create more affordable entertainment including offering free outdoor movies at Town Plaza this summer.
- City of Kent sent more than 3,000 criminals to jail last year.
- More than 1,000 city staff and residents have been trained for emergency response.
- Kent was third last year (among cities its size) in participating in the National Night Out.
- New bus route to connect West Hill, The Lakes and other critical areas to each other.
- Panther Lake Annexation is still under consideration. It would add 23,000 more residents to Kent, but it would cost more to serve that area than the City would bring in additional revenue. City is working with King County Council to see how those residents can still be adequately served.
- The City is actively seeking a solution to the parking garage problem.
- New Kent School District superintendent is a big proponent of partnering, so the City is looking forward to working with him.

Lastly, the mayor wrapped up with this message:

“I absolultely love serving you because you show you love this community…it’s because of you that I am your mayor…”

Downtown Kent has a lot to offer at this year’s annual Winterfest celebration on Saturday, December 6. Here is a brief schedule of events. For more info., visit the Kent Winterfest website.

9 am – Noon: Holly Jolly Breakfast at Maggie’s on Meeker (they have delicious food!)
10 am – 6 pm: Holiday Shopping & Dining
11 am: Holly Jolly One Mile Walk with Mayor Suzette Cooke & Kent4Health
11 am – 9 pm: Morford Family Holiday Carousel
12 – 3 pm: Meet the Kent Fire Dept.
1 – 5 pm: Holly Jolly Horse Drawn Carriage free with Kent Food Bank donation
2 pm: Kids ‘n Kritters Pet Walk
4 pm: Holiday Reading at the Kent Public Library
4:30 – 6:30 pm: Kent Lion’s Parade, Santa’s Arrival, Bike Giveaway, Annual Tree Lighting

Share your Holly Jolly spirit this holiday season with a food or monetary donation to the Kent Food Bank.