What’s a sure sign that it’s summer in Kent?
When the downtown is full to the brim with a massive street fair and carnival – all part of Cornucopia Days, South King County’s largest and oldest festival.
Organized by the Kent Lions Club, this year’s annual fun fest runs Thursday through Sunday – with a few earlier events opening today.
Expect to see more than 600 booths for the street fair offering a vast assortment of items throughout downtown Kent. A total of 35 alone will offer various tempting food items. And then there’s the traditional assortment of thrill-seeker rides at the “Funtastic Shows” carnival at the corner of West Smith Street and Lincoln Avenue.
Lake Meridian will be the site of another traditional Cornucopia Days favorite – the Dragon-Boat races, featuring ornate canoes paddled Saturday by teams of contestants.
Another crowd pleaser over the years has been the Cornucopia Grand Parade, which normally attracts several thousand spectators and nearly 100 entries.
The official start of the big weekend festival, however, is the crowning of Miss Cornucopia – the girl who will reign over the festival. That gets under way at 2 p.m. Friday on the Cornucopia Main Stage, at Kent’s new Town Square Plaza, with Mayor Suzette Cooke crowning the winning contestant. Vying for the honor this year are Nicole Oliver and Tasha Nelson.
For a brief overview of Cornucopia activities, read on. And for a listing of all the events, be sure to pick up the Kent Reporter’s Cornucopia guide, available at locations around town and at the Reporter office – 19426 68th Ave. W. Or log onto the Cornucopia Web site at www.kcdays.com.
For the full schedule of events, pick up a Cornucopia Days guide at the Kent Reporter office, 19426 68th Ave. W., Kent, or at various locations around town.
Cornucopia Days
July 9
Kent Downtown Merchants Sidewalk Sale: All day.
Summer Art Exhibit and Opening Gala: The annual Cornucopia Days Gala, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Centennial Center Gallery.
Summer Art Exhibit: The 2008 exhibit will feature artwork in two separate exhibits: Large Work (June 3- July 13) and Small Work (July 9-August 28) in the Centennial Center Gallery (400 W. Gowe St.) Gallery hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
July 10
“Funtastic Shows” Carnival: Corner of W. Smith St. and Lincoln Ave. (former Metro Park & Ride lot) 4 p.m. until closing.
Kent Youth Soccer Association 9th Annual “Cornucopia Cup” Tournament: Most matches will be held at Pea Patch Soccer Fields, Green River Road and S. 265th St., with many more at local Kent facilities.
July 11
Kent Lions “Street Fair” and “Taste of Cornucopia”: Over 35 food booths throughout the streets, and two large food courts next to the entertainment stages in the Kent Library & Burlington Green Park. 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues, 4 p.m. until closing.
Miss Cornucopia Coronation: The new Miss Cornucopia announced and crowned by Mayor Suzette Cooke at the Cornucopia “Main Stage,” Town Square Plaza on the corner of Second and Smith. 2 p.m.
Muckleshoot Casino – Main Stage: Town Square Plaza on the corner of 2nd and Smith. 4-9:30 p.m.
“Gazebo Stage”: At the gazebo in Burlington Green Park on Railroad Ave., 3-9 p.m.
Family Stage: Located in front of the fireplace at Kent Station on Ramsay Way. Noon to 5 p.m.
Square Dance: Annual square dance at the Railroad Street Stage, Meeker Street and Fourth Avenue. 8 p.m. until dark.
Bingo: “Lions Bingo” at Titus Park, corner of First and Titus streets, 10 a.m. to closing.
Beer Garden: Hosted by the Ram Restaurant, located in Burlington Green Park next to the food court and stage. Noon to 9 p.m.
Fine Crafts Market Area: Located at Kent Station, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Children’s Area: Hands-on arts and crafts projects and workshops give kids the opportunity to work with and learn from professional artists. Located at Kent Station. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Kent Cornucopia Days Theater: Hi-Liners DownStage Center’s production of Disney’s “Mulan Jr.” at Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th. 7 p.m.
July 12
Entertainment continues on multiple stages throughout the day.
Kent Lions Street Fair, Taste of Cornucopia, Kent Farmers Market and Kent Station’s “Fine Crafts Market” Area: Continues, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues Noon until closing.
Beer Garden, Burlington Green Park next to the food court and stage, continues.
Eighth Annual “Dragon Boat Races”: Nearly 50 Washington, Oregon, Californian, Canadian, as well as local teams will race in 45-foot boot. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Lake Meridian Park.
Jaguar Football – Kent Cornucopia Bowl III: French Field at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent – the 2005/2006/2007 Northwest Football League Champions, King County Jaguars will host the British Columbia Spartans, 7 p.m. in a battle of Northwest Minor League Football powers.
July 13
Grand Parade: Starts 2 p.m., running along Fourth Avenue, starting at Saar Street and ending at James Street. Join with thousands of spectators who line the streets for Kent’s largest and most prominent parade.
Entertainment, street fair, Taste of Cornucopia, Kent Farmers Market and Kent Station’s ‘Fine Crafts Market” continues.
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues Noon until closing.
Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show: Continues at the Rose Park, on First Street and Meeker Street.
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