The Third Annual Kent International Festival is set for Sat., June 18
from
10 am to 6 pm at Town Square Plaza, at the corner of 2nd and Smith Streets in downtown Kent. Offered in conjunction with the weekly Kent Farmer’s Market, this popular event is a celebration of Kent’s cultural diversity and will feature native attire, musical performances, ethnic dance, delicious authentic cuisine and a Kent student art display.
For more information, contact Harpreet Gill at (253) 856-4968 or Dave Mortenson at (206) 818-8304.
Want a poster to display at your workplace, school or organization? Click here to download –> 2011 KIF Poster Final-2
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!
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.
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.
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.
Every year my family drives throughout Kent to eye all of the beautiful Christmas lights and holiday decorations. Last year was a tough year – and we didn’t see much – because the roads were icy. This year, however, the weather is cooperating but, unfortunately, there aren’t many holiday lights to see. I’m not sure what’s different this year – perhaps people aren’t as festive or maybe rising prices and the economy have had an impact. Our drive, though fun as always, was disappointing. Most neighborhoods had at least one house with lights, and some were dramatically decked out, but for the most part, the usual displays were nonexistent.
My vote for best neighborhood in Kent: Chancellor Crest off of 132nd, between 240th and 248th Streets. Starting with Kensington High, these neighborhoods are very colorful and festive. If you plan on going on your own holiday lights tour, don’t miss this neighborhood.
Also, check out the lights at Town Square Plaza (2nd and Harrison) in downtown Kent and “Alpaca Road” (aka 240th St. between 132nd and 160th).
Does your neighborhood have a particularly interesting display? Post the neighborhood or address here, and we’ll check them out!
Happy Holidays!
~ From the iLoveKent.net family to yours
This summer the city of Kent is sponsor free movies at Town Square Plaza in downtown Kent (corner of 2nd Avenue and Harrison Streets) across from the library.
8/7 – Footloose (9:15 pm)
8/14 – Mamma Mia (9:00 pm)
8/21 – Kung Fu Panda (8:45 pm)
More info on the City of Kent website.
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!
