The annual Kent Heritage Festival will take place July 4
from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. in downtown Kent.

The city of Kent will again celebrate our nation’s independence at the 20th Annual Kent Heritage Festival on Saturday, July 4. This annual, all-day celebration held in downtown Kent runs from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. This year’s event will include live music and entertainment – much of which is local – all day on three stages located throughout downtown Kent. The AMETEK Tree City 5K for United Way will start at 7 p.m. on the Lefton Esplanade. There will be a children’s play area, a variety of food and craft booths and many more local displays. The family-friendly event, which is free and open to the public, concludes with a fireworks display.

The NAPA Car Show will be located on West Erie and North on Franklin streets this year. Interested car owners who would like to participate are encouraged to get there early for a good spot.

The Kent Heritage Festival is planned and operated by the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with Kent’s United Services Organization (a partnership of eight service organizations).

“The committee of volunteers starts planning in January and works tirelessly to ensure that this event that draws over 20,000 to downtown Kent is a success,” says Lori Wemhoff, festival chairperson. “The success of the Kent Heritage Festival depends solely on the vendors who participate, and sponsorships and contributions received. The expenses far exceed the money brought in each year, and yet we try to provide a bigger and better event each year.

“One area that the committee focused on increasing this year is the fireworks display that so many enjoy,” Wemhoff adds. “Last year, due to a malfunction of materials, a good amount of the fireworks set to go off didn’t. This year, with it being the 20th annual event, we increased the fireworks order substantially and hope everyone will come out and enjoy the free entertainment.”

If anyone is interested in making a contribution to the Kent Heritage Festival, checks can be made out to KUSO and mailed to 176 E. Main St., Suite 303, Kent.