KENT—Kent loves a party and there will be plenty to celebrate in the coming week. The town will usher in the yuletide season Saturday, Nov. 30, when the town officially lights its tree at 4 p.m. on the grounds of the Town Hall, 41 Kent Green Blvd.
Fittingly, there will be caroling led by singer Wanda Houston, cocoa and cookies provided by the Fife ‘n Drum, and a visit by Santa.
The feeling of Christmas will be enhanced by more seasonal temperatures in the coming week, so New Englanders can truly begin to feel the spirit of the season. The town will deck itself out in its holiday apparel and visitors can marvel at the creativity of local bakers who pull out all the stops to participate in the 13th annual Kent Gingerbread Festival.
Last year, the bakers created everything from castles to cabins, nutcrackers to a North Pole drive-ins.
The houses—last year included a reproduction of the Roman Coliseum, not exactly a cozy cabin—will be displayed at various shops and galleries throughout town during December. Scavenger hunt maps will be available at shops encouraging visitors to find the hidden Gingerbread Men, solve the riddle, and win a prize.
Things ramp up on Saturday, Dec. 7, when the town holds its annual Holiday Fest. The Kent Volunteer Fire Department will hold its spectacular Parade of Lights at 6 p.m. along North Main St. It steps off from the Kent Green, heads south on North Main St., before turning left onto Maple St. heading east to the firehouse. Everyone is welcome to participate in the parade. To reserve a spot, contact Mary Ann VanValkenberg, 860-488-1239.
Following the parade, there will be a party at the firehouse, 28 Maple St. Stop in after the parade to enjoy a sing-along, dancing to music played by a DJ, and hot dogs served by KVFD. William Pitt/Sotheby’s International Realty will serve ice cream from Kimberly Farms at the celebration.
The parade is a gala end to the town’s Holiday Fest, but there will be plenty of other attractions happening earlier in the day.
Non-profits will be set up on the Golden Falcon lot, 20 North Main St. Manning stations there will be representatives from Kent Community Nursery School, offering baked goods by Rosie’s Kitchen; Marvelwood School, which will serve hot cider and cookies, and the Kent Dispatch with a Kid Reporter activity.
The Kent Land Trust will hold its annual meeting from 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the Kent Community House, 93 North Main St. All are welcome for cheer and refreshments at this festive celebration.
Down at Kent Barns, 8 and 10 North Main St., the Kent Historical Society will be participating in the Holiday Market from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Kent Memorial Library, 32 Main St., will have its Holiday Boutique from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering gift books, children’s books, scarves, jewelry, holiday CDs, cards, glassware, knick-knacks, stocking stuffers, pictures frames, small gifts and more.
Join the Kent Quilters in the library’s Junior Room for a selection of festive crafts from 3 to 5 p.m. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The Quilters will also sell their stunning quilted items at the library during the day, working towards their goal of a $10,000 donation for the Kent Volunteer Fire Department.
From 3 to 5 p.m., there will be holiday card making stations and coloring for adults at the library, a relaxing activity for older merrymakers before the parade. Materials will be provided, or patrons can bring their own. The programs are free; register here to ensure the library has enough supplies for all.
Lee Sohl will again come to the library with her dogs at 11 a.m. for Puppy Storytime in the Junior Room. Children of all ages are welcome but, again, registration is appreciated by calling 860-927-3761 or email the Junior Room.
Kent is home to more than 30 distinctive shops and galleries where patrons can shop local, finding everything from stylish clothing to one-of-a-kind antiques, artwork to trendy western boots, toys for kids, delicious teas and coffees, gifts, jewelry and books. Many shops will hold sales or promotions that day.
Customers who spend $100 or more at Terston Home Accents & Apparel, 27 North Main St., can win a festive tablecloth and eight napkins. Buy a top or sweater and get a pair of pants or jeans half off. The store will be serving cookies throughout the afternoon.
Also serving cookies during the afternoon will be the Fife ‘n Drum Gift Shop, 53 North Main St., which will remain open until 7 p.m.
Tarot in Thyme, 31 N Main St., will take 10 percent off almost everything in its store (consignment items not included), while Heron Shop, 16 North Main St., which will remain open until 8 p.m., will have a small toy giveaway for kids.
Lynette’s Precocious Preserves will set up on the porch of the Kent Station Pharmacy, 38 North Main St., featuring holiday jams, quick breads and fudge, joined there by Pebbles Bakery with baked goods and complimentary hot chocolate.
45 on Main Coffee Chocolate & Creamery, noted for its embrace of every holiday, is already decked out for Christmas and offering stocking stuffers galore, perfect Secret Santa gifts, Christmas movie night treats, and many more sweet gift ideas the holiday season.
At the other end of Main Street, Kent Greenhouse & Gardens, 30 South Main St., will offer wreath-making classes and have a demonstration of “Create a Castle” molded forms for sand or snow castles. It will serve complimentary cider and hot cocoa.
