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Happy Friday Kent,
I hope you and your friends and family had a great Thanksgiving!
Just wanted to send out a quick reminder about Kent Winterfest. We've got a bunch of fun events planned through the end of the year.
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Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday in Kent! When you Shop Small, you’re not just supporting neighborhood favorites – you’re investing in our community.
Whether you’re a local or in town for the holidays, explore small businesses near you—and shop small all season long.
Shop Small Saturday started as a Saturday, but really is no longer just a single day event.
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It’s a reminder for us to support our local merchants and businesses every Saturday. Our local economy benefits when we visit our favorite local shops, eateries, and businesses, in-person or online.
Check out the downtown Kent business directory here.
Have a great weekend!
Dana Ralph, Kent Mayor
Kent Winterfest 2022
It's the most wonderful time of the year!
I'm so excited to celebrate the upcoming season, and here in Kent, we have a month of holiday happenings planned throughout the city.
You can check out all of the details about our upcoming holiday events and plan your month of festivities at KentWA.gov/Winterfest.
From our annual 5K/10K run and holiday shows, to Santa photos and ugly sweater fun, there is something for everyone in the family.
I'm especially excited for the Winterfest Holiday Tree Lighting & Parade!
Mark your calendars for Saturday, December 3, and come on down to Town Square Plaza for community booths, music, the Winterfest parade, Santa, and our annual tree lighting!
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Kent Commons Holiday Bazaar
Christmas is right around the corner! This annual show is a great place to get some of your shopping done!
📅 Friday, December 2
⏲ 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
📅 Saturday, December 3
⏲ 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
📍 Kent Commons Community Center
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Winterfest parade and tree lighting event at Town Square Plaza!
We'll have community booths, goodies and photo opportunities! The parade will start at 4:30 p.m. and Santa will arrive at 4:45 p.m.
Bring your kids, friends and family for a fun evening full of holiday cheer.
📅 Saturday, December 3
⏲ 3 p.m. - 6 p.m.
📍 Town Square Plaza
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5K/10K Christmas Rush Fun Run & Walk
This season we're celebrating the 40th year of our annual 5K/10K Fun Run & Walk!
📅 Saturday, December 10
⏲ 9:50 a.m.
📍 Hogan Park, 25500 Russell Road
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Vote on the best gingerbread house!
Come see the gingerbread houses on display at Kent Station and vote on your favorite! Prizes will be given to the 3 houses who receive the most votes!
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2022 Santa Photos at Santa's Cozy Cottage
in front of AMC!
Santa is BACK at Kent Station! Reserve your appointment online. Walk-ins are allowed until one hour before the end of the day.
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Letters for Santa!
Drop off your holiday wish list in Santa's mailbox at Kent Station. He will have cards to fill out on site. If you would like to get a letter back from Santa, include your mailing address on the card!
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Kent Station Giving Tree!
Kent Station will be collecting gifts for Kent School District students age 5-18.
From now through December 23, bring your unwrapped gifts and leave them in the drop box outside Johnny Rockets.
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Kent Downtown Partnership Ugly Sweater Wine Walk
Dress in your best ugly sweater or holiday attire to win prizes! Downtown businesses are kicking off the holiday season with a fun tasting event featuring wine, spirits, beer & cider, and live entertainment. Get tickets here!
📅 Saturday, December 3
⏲ 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
📍 202 W. Gowe Street
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Weekly Roundup
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Thank you to Farrington Court Retirement Community for delivering such delicious pies to the office this week! This really gets us in the holiday spirit. |
On Monday, we had a great time at Kent Elementary for career day. Councilmember Troutner, Chief Padilla and Public Works Director Chad Bieren joined me to answer questions from 4th, 5th & 6th graders. |
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Last weekend, I joined Councilmembers Michaud, Larimer Fincher for Kent Parks Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Thank you to all who helped create this warm and welcome evening for our community. |
I learn something new every time I visit the Kent Historical Society and Museum. Last weekend they hosted #OurKentStories where residents could come and share memories and experiences about their life in Kent. |
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Our 36th Annual Magical Strings Celtic Yuletide Concert is officially sold out! There are more Spotlight Series events coming up next year though, check them out at KentWA.gov/SpotlightSeries. |
Last weekend, East Hill Elementary students, parents and facility spent the morning working to clean up their school. They raked leaves and planted daffodil bulbs for Spring. As an East Hill alumni, I could not be any prouder. Way to show your school and community spirit! |
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On Saturday, Knights of Columbus teamed up with CCS Kinship to pass out winter coats. There was an abundant amount of smiles as kids got to pick out their new winter coats. |
We had our last volunteer conservation event of the year last weekend at Morrill Meadows Park. Thank you to students from Ms. Wongs civics class at Kentridge High School, a small girl scout troop, a small ladies group, Councilmember Michaud and our Parks Op team to help plant native plants and remove invasive blackberry bushes. |
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Small Business Flex Fund
Kent-based small business owners can still apply for the Small Business Flex Fund, a fixed rate loan if you are in need of working capital or looking to grow your business.
This program is supported by the Department of Commerce and features interest-only payments for the first year, with interest rates fixed as low as 4% for small businesses, and 3% for nonprofit organizations. Applications close mid-February 2023.
Complete the short pre-application at SmallBusinessFlexFund.org to get started.
Kent Arts Commission
If have a love of arts and culture and are interested in serving the Kent community, apply to be on the Arts Commission! Applications are now being accepted.
The Kent Arts Commission advises the City Council in areas such as establishing cultural opportunities and arts education, improving Kent's quality of life and promoting Kent as a center for great arts.
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