What\u2019s a sure sign that it\u2019s summer in Kent?<\/p>\n
When the downtown is full to the brim with a massive street fair and carnival – all part of Cornucopia Days, South King County\u2019s largest and oldest festival.<\/p>\n
Organized by the Kent Lions Club, this year\u2019s annual fun fest runs Thursday through Sunday – with a few earlier events opening today.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s the traditional assortment of thrill-seeker rides at the \u201cFuntastic Shows\u201d carnival at the corner of West Smith Street and Lincoln Avenue.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Another crowd pleaser over the years has been the Cornucopia Grand Parade, which normally attracts several thousand spectators and nearly 100 entries.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s new Town Square Plaza, with Mayor Suzette Cooke crowning the winning contestant. Vying for the honor this year are Nicole Oliver and Tasha Nelson.<\/p>\n
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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Cornucopia Days<\/p>\n
July 9<\/p>\n
Kent Downtown Merchants Sidewalk Sale: All day.<\/p>\n
Summer Art Exhibit and Opening Gala: The annual Cornucopia Days Gala, 5:30-8 p.m. at the Centennial Center Gallery.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
July 10<\/p>\n
\u201cFuntastic Shows\u201d Carnival: Corner of W. Smith St. and Lincoln Ave. (former Metro Park & Ride lot) 4 p.m. until closing.<\/p>\n
Kent Youth Soccer Association 9th Annual \u201cCornucopia Cup\u201d 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.<\/p>\n
July 11<\/p>\n
Kent Lions \u201cStreet Fair\u201d and \u201cTaste of Cornucopia\u201d: 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.<\/p>\n
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues, 4 p.m. until closing.<\/p>\n
Miss Cornucopia Coronation: The new Miss Cornucopia announced and crowned by Mayor Suzette Cooke at the Cornucopia \u201cMain Stage,\u201d Town Square Plaza on the corner of Second and Smith. 2 p.m.<\/p>\n
Muckleshoot Casino – Main Stage: Town Square Plaza on the corner of 2nd and Smith. 4-9:30 p.m.<\/p>\n
\u201cGazebo Stage\u201d: At the gazebo in Burlington Green Park on Railroad Ave., 3-9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Family Stage: Located in front of the fireplace at Kent Station on Ramsay Way. Noon to 5 p.m.<\/p>\n
Square Dance: Annual square dance at the Railroad Street Stage, Meeker Street and Fourth Avenue. 8 p.m. until dark.<\/p>\n
Bingo: \u201cLions Bingo\u201d at Titus Park, corner of First and Titus streets, 10 a.m. to closing.<\/p>\n
Beer Garden: Hosted by the Ram Restaurant, located in Burlington Green Park next to the food court and stage. Noon to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Fine Crafts Market Area: Located at Kent Station, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Children\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n
Kent Cornucopia Days Theater: Hi-Liners DownStage Center\u2019s production of Disney\u2019s \u201cMulan Jr.\u201d at Kent-Meridian High School Performing Arts Center, 10020 S.E. 256th. 7 p.m.<\/p>\n
July 12<\/p>\n
Entertainment continues on multiple stages throughout the day.<\/p>\n
Kent Lions Street Fair, Taste of Cornucopia, Kent Farmers Market and Kent Station\u2019s \u201cFine Crafts Market\u201d Area: Continues, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.<\/p>\n
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues Noon until closing.<\/p>\n
Beer Garden, Burlington Green Park next to the food court and stage, continues.<\/p>\n
Eighth Annual \u201cDragon Boat Races\u201d: 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.<\/p>\n
Jaguar Football – Kent Cornucopia Bowl III: French Field at Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent \u2013 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.<\/p>\n
July 13<\/p>\n
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\u2019s largest and most prominent parade.<\/p>\n
Entertainment, street fair, Taste of Cornucopia, Kent Farmers Market and Kent Station\u2019s \u2018Fine Crafts Market\u201d continues.<\/p>\n
Funtastic Shows Carnival: Continues Noon until closing.<\/p>\n
Kent Valley Artists Association Art Show: Continues at the Rose Park, on First Street and Meeker Street.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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