Kent-area community calendar | Sept. 4

Events

Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays, through Sept. 27, Town Square Plaza Park, corner of Second and Smith. Kent Lions community service project. Vendors offering a variety of fresh locally grown farm-based foods, hand-crafted items, live entertainment and more. Free admission. Information: 253-486-9316, www.kentfarmersmarket.com.

Washington State Fair: Sept. 5-21, 110 Ninth Ave., SW, Puyallup. Gate hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 9 a.m.-11 p.m. Friday-Saturday; 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday. Concerts, rides, food, vendors, rodeo, animal exhibits, art and culture, interactive fun, special attractions. Admission: $12.50 adults; $9 students (ages 6-18) and seniors (62 and older); kids 5 and under free. Pre-fair discounts available online through Sept. 4. Parking: $10 Monday-Friday; $12 Saturday, Sunday. For more information: www.thefair.com or 24-hour hotline at 253-841-5045

Wilson Playfields’ re-opening dedication: 10 a.m. Sept. 6, Wilson Playfields, 3028 SE 251st St., Kent. Public invited to the official re-opening of multi-sport complex, coinciding with the Youth Soccer Jamboree. Meet and get autographs from star players from the Seattle Impact FC, Kent’s newest professional indoor soccer team. Park underwent a $1.8 million turf replacement project.

Federal Way Challenge 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13, Town Square Park, 31620 20th Ave. S., Federal Way. Youth and adult divisions. Co-sponsored by Federal Way Parks and the Federal Way Community Center. Entry fee: $50 per team. Must be paid and registered by Sept. 9. Each player receives a T-shirt. Each team guaranteed at least three games. Mail check or money order to: Steve Turcotte, 1911 SW Campus Drive, Box 695, Federal Way, WA, 98023. For more information, call 206-240-9029.

Downtown Kent Wine Walk: 5-9 p.m. Sept. 19, historic downtown. Self-guided wine tasting tour. Retailers host 12 award-winning Washington wineries with representatives on hand to discuss their wines and answer questions. Wines will also be available for purchase by the bottle or case. Beer lovers can also enjoy tastings of handcrafted brews. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased by calling 253-856-6976 or emailing barbaras@KentDowntown.org. Admission cost includes 10 one-ounce tasting tickets, tasting location map and passport and a commemorative wine glass while supplies last. Event participants must be at least 21 years of age and show their ID at the registration area at Down Home Catering, 211 First Avenue South in Kent. For more information, go to Downtownkentwa.com.

Debate Luncheon: 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Oct. 1, Meridian Valley Country Club, 24830 136th Ave. SE, Kent. For candidates of the 47th state legislative district that encompass Kent. Sponsored by Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Northwest Real Estate. Cost: $20 for Kent Chamber of Commerce members, $25 at the door, $30 for guests. Register at kentchamber.com.

Benefits

Scramble for Safe Families Charity Golf Tournament: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 6, Washington National Golf Club, 14430 SE Husky Way, Auburn. Events include a four-person scramble, a hole-in-one contest (win a car), a putting contest, banquet, silent auction, raffles and awards. Proceeds benefit the Jennifer Beach Foundation, which provides education, advocacy and assistance to the community addressing issues related to child abuse and domestic violence. Entry fee: $130 for individuals or $520 for four-person team. Sponsorship opportunities available for companies and individuals. For more information on the tournament or to download a registration form, make a donation or to be a sponsor, please call 253-833-5366 or visit www.jnbfoundation.org.

Holiday Magic Dinner Auction: 5-10 p.m. Sept. 6, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Quota International of Kent Valley fundraising event. Evening includes buffet dinner, silent and live auctions, raffle and dessert dash. Proceeds go to local, national and international beneficiaries, including the Kent and Highline School Districts; Kent Parks and Recreation Studio 315; college scholarships; Quota Cares Western Days; local area food banks; Quota World Service and 30 international service projects. The live auction Fund-a-Need recipient is Children Therapy Center’s hippotherapy program. Cost: $45 per person. For more information, www.quotakentvalley.com

Kent Friends of the Library annual book sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 12, 13; 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14, Kent Regional Library, 212 Second Ave. N., Kent. Proceeds support library programs for children, teens and adults. Paperbacks available for 50 cents, hardcovers for a $1. CDs, DVDs and other materials also on sale. For more information, contact Tina C. Fu at 253-813-3052 or tchengfu@yahoo.com.

Kent Outdoor Swap Meet: 9 a.m.- 4 p.m., Sept. 13, 19611 East Valley Highway, corner of 196th and 84th, Kent. Vendors from throughout King County offering new and used items. Food vendors available. Admission: $1. For more information, contact Christian Shook at 206-650-8760 or shookchristian@yahoo.com

Kentwood Conks Matteress Fundraiser: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 14, Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. Full range of mattresses on display for sale. Up to 60 percent of the proceeds go directly to the Kentwood football team. For more information, contact Derek Morawski at 360-333-9479 or djmorawski@msn.com, or visit www.customfindraisingsolutions.com

Spectrum, A Live Auction & Painting: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Sept. 17, Luther’s Table, 419 S. 2nd St., Suite 1, Renton. Featuring the work of local artist Michael Tolleson Savant.  Participants will watch Tolleson transform a canvas before their very eyes while he speaks about autism and the common light that exists within all of us. Tickets: $50, available online and at the door. Proceeds support the work of Luther’s Table and the Michael Tolleson Savant Arts Center. 425-970-3157, Lutherstable.org.

Strides 5K Fun Run Or Walk and Golden Mile: 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 27, Foster Park, South 259th and 74th Avenue South, where Interurban Trail meets the Green River Trail. Benefits Neighborhood House and KLC South Sudan Community Restoration Program. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Cost: varies by category and date from $20-$45. Pre-Register at www.strides5k.weebly.com or on Active.com.

22nd annual Kent CROP Hunger Walk: 1 p.m. Oct. 5, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 Second Ave. S. Sponsored by Church World Service and several local churches in Kent. Six-mile walk take participants through downtown Kent and the Green River Trail. Shorter routes are available. Funds raised help stop hunger and poverty in Kent and around the world. Twenty-five percent of the funds raised will go to the Kent Food Bank, Kent Community Supper and the HOME programs. Walk-day registration begins at 12:30 p.m. To register, donate or to learn more, visit crophungerwalk.org/kentwa.

Health

Kent4Health Guided Walk: 9-11 a.m., 6-7:30 p.m., Wednesdays. Locations vary. Kent4Health is designed to encourage wellness by offering free healthy activities and information. For trail locations more information, visit kent4health.com.

Puget Sound Blood Center drives:  9-11 a.m., 11:45 a.m.-3 p.m.  Sept. 13, LDS Church, gym, 24419 95th Ave. S. For more information, call 253-945-8667 or please visit www.psbc.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. For more information, call 253-709-5098 or visit www.tops.org or www.whywelovetops.com.

Southeast King County Parkinson’s Disease support group: Meets on the third Tuesday of the month, 10:30 a.m., St. John The Baptist Catholic Church, 25810 156th Ave. SE,Covington. Group’s monthly lunches are on the first Tuesday of the month at the Auburn Senior Activity Center, 808 Ninth St. SE, Auburn. For more information, contact Stephanie Lawson at 206-579-5206.

Gamblers Anonymous: For meeting times and locations, call toll free the Gamblers Anonymous Hotline 1-855-222-5542. Visit www.gawashington.org or www.gamblersanonymous.org for additional information.

Clubs, programs

Community garden p-patch: Season runs April 1-Oct. 26, corner of James Street and 64th Avenue South. Gardeners may rent a 20-by-20-foot plot for the season for $45 plus a refundable $25 deposit. There are 44 plots available, assigned on a first-come, first-served basis once the rental fee has been paid. Returning gardeners are allowed a maximum of two plots per household. Open registration. For more information, call 253-856-5110.

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, The Lodge, Arbor Village Retirement Center, 24004 114th Place SE, Kent. Are you interested in practicing and improving your public speaking skills? Boosting your self-confidence? Making yourself heard in that weekly meeting at work? Come practice your oratory skills with a friendly and informative group of people. With members ranging from beginners to experts, Kent Evening Toastmasters welcomes people of all skill levels. For more information, visit www.kenteveningtoastmasters.net.

Autism Support Group: 6:30-8:30 p.m., second Wednesday of the month, Kent Covenant Church, main conference room, 12010 SE 240th St. Share resources and encouragement. Childcare available with 72-hour advance reservations by calling Fabiana Steele at 253-631-0222, ext. 325. For more information, visit www.kentcov.org.

NAMI Support Groups: 6:30-8 p.m., every second and fourth Tuesday of the month,  515 W. Harrison St., Kent.  Friends and family support group for family members and friends who are affected by mental illness. Free. For more information, call 253-854-6264 (NAMI)  or email namiskc@qwestoffice.net, or visit www.nami.org.

Valley Mothers of Multiples Club: First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St. Free. Inviting new and established parents/guardians of multiple order children to attend monthly meeting for support, resources and social activities. Club has monthly speakers and group sharing sessions. 425-445-7845. www.valleymomc.org

Faith

Renton-Kent Christian Women’s Connection Luncheon: 11:15 a.m.-1:15 p.m. Sept. 17, Golden Steer Restaurant, 23826 104th Ave. SE. Monthly luncheon with Betty Anne McIrvin speaking about “What’s Behind Your Door?,” and special feature, Cathi Ridge from Vine Maple in Maple Valley telling how they provide for families. All ladies welcome to enjoy Good Food, inspiration and meet new friends. Child care available with reservation. Cost: $16.50. Contact: Marlene, 425-235-1047

Network

The Kent Chapter of Business Network, Int’l (BNI): Meets every Wednesday morning at 7 at the Old Country Buffet, 25630 104th SE, Kent.  Chapter is growing.  Currently have 38 members.  Do you want excellent, personal, word of mouth referrals for your business?  Then come join us.  For more information, contact Dr. Allan McCord at 253-854-3040.

Get Ready for Business Workshop: 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sept. 24, Kent Senior Center, 600 E Smith St., Kent. Workshop is aimed at the general themes to start and run your small business. Free. Must be a Kent resident to attend. Register at www.vistashare.com.

Business Expo and Taste of Kent: 3-7 p.m. Oct. 9, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. Booths, restaurants for the Taste of Kent. Do-it-yourself presentations, games, prizes and giveaways. Network and create business connections and opportunities. Free to the public.  To register your business to participate or to learn more, call the Kent Chamber of Commerce at 253-854-1770.

Seniors

Daytime, evening dances: Tuesdays, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St., Kent. No charge for daytime dances, $4 cover charge for evening dances from 7:30 to 9:30. Refreshments served during intermission at 8:30 p.m. For more information, call 253-856-5164. Lineup: • Sept. 9, 23, 30: Featuring Randy Litch playing ballroom dance music; • Sept. 16: Andy Burnett plays mostly rock ‘n roll dance music.

Kent’s World Dance Day: 6-9 p.m. Oct. 3, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Free family interactive event. Dancers will demonstrate dances from around the world. Bring your dancing shoes.

Libraries

Kent Public Library: 212 2nd Avenue N., Kent. 253-859-3330. Hours: 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Friday; 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 1-5 p.m., Sunday. Library events include:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. Sept. 5, 12, 19 and 26. Kaleidoscope Play & Learn is an organized play group for newborns to age 5 and people who take care of them. Have fun learning while we play, sing songs and create art.

Spanish Story Time: Noon, Sept. 20 and 27. Family program. Ages 2 and older. Family program, all ages welcome with adult..

Kids Movie of the Month: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 26. Family program, all ages welcome. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Infant & Young Toddler Story Time:  10:30 a.m. Sept. 25. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult.

Family Pajama Story Times: 7 p.m. Sept. 16, 23, 30. Family program, all ages welcome with adult.

Preschool Story Times: 11 a.m. Sept. 17, 24. Ages 3 to 5 with adult.

TEENS

Teen Zone, Manga Club: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 9. Fun discussions and other Manga related activities – new topics and activities each month.

Teen Zone, Writers Club: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 16. Monthly meeting to share inspiration, fun exercises and creative work time.

Free SAT Prep Classes: 1:30 p.m. Sept. 20, diagnostic test; 2 p.m. Sept. 27, lesson 1; 2 p.m. Oct. 2, lesson 2; 2 p.m. Oct. 11, lesson 3; 1:30 p.m. Oct. 18, practice test; 2 p.m. Oct. 25, final class and test review.Presented by SandweissTest Prep. For high school ages. All students will receive a free copy of The Official SAT Study Guide, instruction on test strategies and a scored practice test. Registration required. Class size is limited to 22.

Steampunk Bauble & Jewelry Slam: 7 p.m. Sept. 17. Bring your shiny bits and bobs, recycled jewelry and broken things, (watch parts, pins, single earrings, etc.) and learn to create one of a kind steampunk jewelry. Presented by Maizie Teasworth’s ClockWork Beetle Curiosities. Please bring needle-nose pliers, scissors and any other tools you have used for jewelry making.

Pop Up Basics: 3:30 p.m. Sept. 30. Ages 10 through adults. Learn the basics of pop-up structures, including the most basic book structure, the accordion book. At the end of the class, you will have made a few simple cards and your own five-page pop-up book. Registration required.

MAKE: Unleash your creativity and strengthen your science and technology skills at the same time with KCLS’ MAKE events, the new fall season of STREAM-based programs. If you can imagine something, you can learn to make it at the library. Follow your curiosity and explore the latest computer technologies. Try your hand at animation and special effects. Create a robotic puppet and learn basic physical engineering. MAKE programs will show you how in supportive, hands-on workshops.

ADULTS

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Improve your speaking and listening skills in this English conversation group.

Citizenship Class: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Get help with the citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills. Registration not required.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 6 p.m.  Mondays, Wednesdays, starting Sept. 22. A formal class to learn English grammar, reading, writing and conversation skills. The next class begins Sept. 22. Registration required by 5 p.m. Sept. 4.

After Lunch Book Bunch: 1 p.m. Sept. 10. “The Boys in the Boat” by Daniel Brown

Friends of the Library Book Sale: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 12; 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 13; 1-3 p.m. Sept. 14. Lots of books and movies for sale! Proceeds benefit programs sponsored by the Friends of the Kent Library.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 7 p.m. Sept. 18, 25; 10 a.m. Sept. 20, 27. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free counseling for small businesses. Please call 206-553-7320 for appointments.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before each class, 253-859-3330. • One-on-One Assistance, 3 p.m. Sept. 17; • Excel Level I, 7 p.m. Sept. 10; • Internet Level I, 7 p.m. Sept. 11; • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. Sept. 16; • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. Sept. 24; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. Sept. 30.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

625 W. James St., Kent. 253-856-6777. Order at www.tickets.showarecenter.com. Events include:

Barnum & Bailey Presents Super Circus Heroes: 7 p.m., Sept. 25, 26, 27; 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Sept. 27; 1 and 5 p.m. Sept. 28. Circus brings together performers with extraordinary human athletic abilities and unbelievable animal talent in an all-new production. Ringmaster David Shipman introduces an international cast who perform seemingly impossible displays of strength, speed and precision. All-access pre-show begins one hour prior to each performance. Ticket prices range from $20, $25, $35 (VIP), $55 (floor Seats) and $70 (ringside). Special pricing for children. All seats are reserved; tickets available for purchase online at www.showarecenter.com, charge by phone at 866-973-9613 or in-person at the ShoWare Center Box Office.

KENT ARTS COMMISSION SPOTLIGHT SERIES

Tickets at kentarts.com, by calling 253-856-5051 or at the Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Hours for phone and in-person sales are Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. The box office is closed on Sunday.

The lineup:

Michael Kaeshammer: 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26, Kent-Meridian Performing Arts Center, 10020 SE 256th St. Kaeshammer is a triple-threat combo of piano virtuosity, vocal ability, and charisma. He performs boogie-woogie, blues, Jazz, and pop cross-over material, and has an uncanny ability to take ‘a bit of musical this’ and ‘a touch of musical that’ and create a sound that is uniquely his own. Tickets: $20 general, $18 senior, $15 youth

John Keawe: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 11, Kent-Meridian PAC. Keawe is a Grammy award winner, a master of slack key guitar, and one of Hawaii’s preeminent singer/songwriters. He fuses both traditional tunings and his own style, as he shares legends and tales of living the island lifestyle. Tickets: $20 general, $18 senior, $15 youth

The Four Bitchin’ Babes present “Jingle Babes!”: 7:30 p.m. Dec. 5, Kent-Meridian PAC. Original tour de force musical comedy theatre troupe. These accomplished musician-actress-comediennes fill the stage with whimsical songs, hilarious shtick, and luscious girl group harmonies. Tickets: $25 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Magical Strings 28th Annual Celtic Yuletide Concert: 3 p.m. Dec. 7, Kent-Meridian PAC. The Boulding Family’s musical celebration of the holiday season is a treasured tradition in Kent. Pam and Philip Boulding are joined by their children, grandchildren and guests for an afternoon of enchanting Yuletide music. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior, $15 youth

Marc Cohn: 7:30 p.m. Jan. 22, Kentwood Performing Arts Center, 25800 164th Ave. SE, Covington. After winning a Grammy for his soulful ballad “Walking in Memphis,” Cohn solidified his place as one of this generation’s most compelling singer/songwriters, combining the precision of a brilliant tunesmith with the passion of a great soul man. Tickets: $28 general, $25 senior, $15 youth

Broadway’s Next Hit Musical!: 7:30 p.m. Feb. 6, Kent-Meridian PAC. Every song is fresh. Every scene is new. Every night is different. It’s all improvised and it’s all funny. The New York Times calls Broadway’s Next H!T Musical “Hilarious!” Master improvisers gather made up song suggestions from the audience and create a full blown improvised musical – complete with memorable characters, witty dialogue, and plot twists galore. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

“Fairy Tales & Fantasy” presented by BYU Theatre Ballet: 7 p.m. March 12, Kentwood PAC. Selections from classic ballets such as Romeo & Juliet, Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella, Don Quixote, and more bring magical stories, beautiful music, and graceful dance to the stage for all ages to enjoy. Tickets: $22 general, $20 senior and $15 youth

Schoolhouse Rock Live! performed by Childsplay: 1 p.m. March 21, Kent-Meridian PAC. A pop culture phenomenon returns to the musical stage! Academic subjects will never seem boring again when presented through mega-hits like “Conjunction Junction,” “Just a Bill,” and “Interplanet Janet.” Schoolhouse Rock explodes onto the stage with songs you loved updated for a whole new generation. Childsplay is a professional company of adult actors who teach and perform for young audiences and families. Tickets: $10 general, $10 senior, $10 youth

Masters of Soul: 7:30 p.m. April 7, Kentwood PAC. A celebration of the legendary songs and performers that defined Motown and soul music. The show features the incredible harmonies and smooth moves made famous by recording acts like The Temptations, Gladys Knight & The Pips, Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, The Four Tops, Diana Ross & The Supremes, The Jackson Five, Martha Reeves The Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, Barry White, The Commodores and many more. Tickets: $25 general, $22 senior, $15 youth

ELSEWHERE

Bluegrass on the Chancel: 3 p.m. Sept. 21, Kent Lutheran Church, 336 2nd Ave. S. Held in conjunction with the Fall Seattle Guitar Show at Kent Commons. Performers include the Downtown Mountain Boys of Seattle. Tickets are $12.50 at the door or in advance at www.brownpapertickets.com. For more information, visit www.downtownmountainboys.com.

Live music: Reds Wine Bar @ Craft Beers, 321 Ramsay Way No. 110 Kent Station, across from the parking lot. Tuesday jazz jam (6-9 p.m.); Thursday bluegrass jam (6-10 p.m.); Saturday rotating local musicians (8-11 p.m.); Sunday open mic (4-7 p.m.). 253-277-1852, www.redswinebar-kent.com.

Auditions

“Oliver!”: 7 p.m. Sept. 23, 25, Green River Community College, Performing Arts Building, main campus, 12401 SE 320th St., Auburn. Open auditions for ages 16 and above for Heavier Than Air Family Theatre’s upcoming production. Oliver! is an award-winning musical that vividly brings to life Charles Dickens’ timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. Informal, read-through type group audition. A song from the show will be provided and no advance preparation is necessary. Community actors/actresses with strong singing and dancing skills are encouraged to attend. Children’s auditions (15 and under) are 7 p.m. Sept. 30 at the same location. Children’s auditions are open to everyone for the role of Oliver only, and all other children’s roles will be cast from Heavier Than Air Musical Theatre Camp participants. Rehearsals are every Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to approximately 9:30 p.m. beginning Oct. 2, with performances scheduled Dec. 12, 13, 14, 19 and 20. For more information.

Galleries, studios

Centennial Center Gallery:  400 W. Gowe St., Kent. Hours: 8 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday. Closed weekends and holidays. For more information, call 253-856-5050 or visit artscommission@kentwa.gov.

Michael Tolleson Savant Art Center: 25524 74th Ave. S., Kent. Art studio and autistic art mentoring center. To learn more about the center and its programs, call 253-850-5995, visit www.MichaelTollesonArtist.com or email michaeltollesonartist@gmail.com. The center also can be found on Facebook.

Museums

Greater Kent Historical Society: 855 E. Smith St., historic Bereiter House, Kent. Hours: noon-4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, and by appointment. Admission: suggested $2 donation; no tickets are required for entrance. Parking is available behind the house off East Temperance Street. GKHS is a nonprofit organization that promotes the discovery, preservation and dissemination of knowledge about the history of the greater Kent area. www.kenthistoricalmuseum.org