Multiple events to celebrate Kent’s past are coming up in July and August to showcase local history with special exhibits as well as bus and walking tours of the city’s oldest homes, businesses and cemeteries.
• Saturday, July 21
Neely-Soames Homestead’s Heritage Garden (5311 S. 237th Place) will start the festivities, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Saturday, July 28
Visitors can stop by the historical information booth at the Kent Farmers Market from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Second Avenue North and West Meeker Street where information will be available highlighting all the events. August events include:
• Saturday, Aug. 4
Greater Kent Historical Society Museum Open House, 855 E. Smith St., noon to 4 p.m. Hounds Meet History: Exhibit featuring famous historical pets of King County.
Historical Information Booth, West Meeker Street and Second Avenue North, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring photos of Kent’s past and talk with local historians.
• Saturday, Aug. 11
Historical Information Booth, West Meeker Street and Second Avenue North, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., featuring photos of Kent’s past and talk with local historians.
Soos Creek Botanical Garden and Heritage Center, 29308 132nd Ave. SE, Auburn, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. See hundreds of objects and photographs detailing the settling of the Soos Creek Plateau and celebrating 100th Anniversary of World War I, songs of WWI by “Smooth Tones” and a historical re-enactment.
Historical Downtown Walking Tour, begins at the corner of Second Avenue North and West Meeker Street, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Each walk is limited to the first 25 people.
Unity Church of Kent Open House, 218 State Ave. S., noon to 4 p.m. Learn more about this local church and the history behind the Labyrinth.
• Sunday, Aug. 12
Greater Kent Reunion, 600 E. Smith St., 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The theme this year is the Morrill Bank.
Sidetrack Distillery Barn, 27010 78th Ave. S., 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. View an old-world style distillery on the farm, design and materials replicate historical barns in the valley and the doors are from an 1800s barn used in the design.
Mary Olson Barn, 28728 Green River Road, noon to 5 p.m. The Mary Olson Farm is a 67-acre subsistence farm and fully-restored historic landmark nestled in a dramatic canyon along the Green River. Tour the restored 1897 barn, pause and consider what life was like on a rural farm in the 1902 farmhouse. Other restored and preserved structures to explore include a weaving shed, chicken coop, outhouse, smokehouse and 19th century wagon road.
Carriage Barn Open House, 855 E. Smith St., noon to 4 p.m., carriage barn antique quilt show.
• Saturday, Aug. 18
Pacific Cascade Mustang Car Show, 625 West James St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Free spectator admission and awards for 40-plus classes of cars.
Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum, 5917 S. 196th St., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Special free admission this day only to the nation’s primary resource for historical information on hydroplane racing.
• Sunday, Aug. 19
· Historic Cemeteries Bus Tours, 1:30 to 5 p.m. Meeting place: Kent Senior Center parking lot (600 E. Smith St.). A docent will accompany guests on this informative tour of Kent’s historic cemeteries. While the tour is free, registration is required for transportation planning.
• Saturday, Aug. 25
• St. Anthony Chapel Open House, 304 Third Avenue South, Kent, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Enjoy a self-guided tour of the chapel. Brochures are available telling the story of each original stained-glass window created by Povey Studios.
Kent Lutheran Church Open House, 336 Second Ave. S., 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Listen to local residents born and raised in Kent sharing stories about the changes they have seen over the years and their engagement with the church. Also, taste Scandinavian flare treats, hear the story on how the congregation worked with a designer to create the 12 frames in a stained-glass window, and view a display of photos sharing the roots of establishment.
For more details, visit KentWA.gov/ExperienceHistoricalKent.
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