Kent-area community calendar | July 8

Events

Kent Farmers Market: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturdays, June 6-Sept. 26. Fresh produce, flower, vendors. Kent Lions program. For more information, visit www.kentfarmersmarket.com.

44th annual Kent Cornucopia Days: July 9-12, Town Square Plaza and throughout downtown Kent. South King County’s oldest and largest festival features a full-size carnival and street fair with more than 600 booths offering a variety of items, including tastes from more than 35 food booths. Entertainment, beer garden, carnival with rides, soccer tournament, parade, skateboard tournament, dragon boat races at Lake Meridian Park and more. The Kent Lions produces the event, a community service project that benefits more than 250 charitable organizations. Free admission. Information: 253-852-LION (5466), www.kcdays.com

Kent Cornucopia Days 5K: 9 a.m. July 11. Race starts at Three Friends Fishing Hole, 20025 Russell Road, near the Hydroplane Raceboat Museum. Hosted by Kent Parks Recreation and Community Services. Entry fee: $10 or $25 (with a technical T-shirt) before July 9. Participants age 60 and over run for free courtesy of the Tab Wizard. Register online at www.active.com or pick up registration forms at the Kent Commons and many Puget Sound athletic stores. For more information, visit www.kentarts.com or call 253-856-5050.

Black Diamond Miner’s Day: 7 a.m.-6 p.m. July 11, Black Diamond. Featuring: The Chalk In on Railroad Ave. Children, youth and adult category designs will be judged. Theme is The Sky’s The Limit. Prizes will be awarded. Bring supplies. Breakfast at the Black Diamond Bakery at 7 a.m. Coal Miner’s Classic 5K run/walk begins at 9 a.m. at 25551 Lawson Avenue (community gym). Prizes awarded. Tethered hot-air balloon rides launch at 10 a.m. at the school playfield. Street fair booths open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Classic car show at The Eagles parking lot, across the street from the museum. Children’s crafts, dunk tank and beer garden. Children’s Hospital Vintage Fashion Show, a display of fashion from the 1840s and on. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/pages/Black-Diamond-Miners-Day/223734694304011

Sixth annual ShoWare Shootout: July 18-19, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St., Kent. Presented by Republic Services, the outdoor event features four-on-four ball hockey and three-on-three basketball for age divisions in men, women, seniors, kids and wheelchair. Entry fee, which includes three games and T-shirts for each player, is $65 through July 1 and $75 between July 2-16. All ages and skill levels welcome. For more information, call 206-240-9029. Register at www.ShoWareShootout.com.

Fiesta Premio Esmeralda: 9:30 a.m. July 19, Emerald Downs, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive, Auburn. Emerald Downs honors its Latin workers and the Hispanic community. Families can enjoy an afternoon of horse racing, a traditional Mexican horse show; mariachi and banda music; authentic Mexican food; and activities for children like jumping castles, giant slides, face painting and pony rides. T-shirt giveaway. Activities begin at noon. Admission: $7 adults; 17 and younger free. Parking free. Kids younger than 13 should be accompanied by a parent or representative. Visit www.fiestapremioesmeralda.com or FiestaPremioEsmeralda on Facebook for more information

MVCF Community Craft & Flea Market: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25, Mountain Vineyard Christian Fellowship, 19001 SE 272nd St., Kent. Collectibles, flea market fare, kids’ fun zone, quality crafts and more. Free parking. For more information, email mvcf.events @gmail.com or call 206-304-3752.

Emerald Downs 3-On-3 Tournament: All day, Aug. 8-9, Emerald Downs, parking lot, 2300 Emerald Downs Drive. Western Washington regional basketball tournament. Registration is open and closes July 26. Cost per team: $120, with a maximum of four players. For more information, visit www.emd3on3.com.

Benefits

Sleep Country’s Clothing Drive for Foster Kids: Now through July 19. Donations of new clothes in all sizes – infant to adult – can be dropped off at any Sleep Country store. All donated clothing is distributed among Sleep Country’s nonprofit foster care partner organizations. For more information or to find the nearest location please visit the store locator, call 888-887-5337 or visit www.sleepcountryfosterkids.org.

Unity Custom Car Show: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 1, White River Amphitheatre, 40601 Auburn Enumclaw Road SE, Auburn. All vehicles welcome. Cars, trucks of all sizes, imports, low riders, hot rods, pedal cars and more. Categories: 1940s, ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s, 2000s. Food, music, live entertainment, raffles and prizes. Roll-in 8-11 a.m. Award presentation 4-5 p.m. Free event. Entry fee: $15 advance, $20 day of show; bike/pedal car, $7 advance, $12 day of show. For more information, contact producer Abe Cortez of Suave TV at 253-389-2234, or nwcortez&gmail.com or www.facebook.com/WRAcommunityevents.

Kent Senior Lunch Program Dessert Concert: 6 p.m. Aug. 20, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Proceeds benefit the Kent Parks Deli and Cafe. Rock ‘n Roll Choir SilverSounds Northwest performs nostalgic tunes. Co-sponsored by Stafford Suites. Theme is “Get your Kicks … “ based on the Rock ‘n Roll song “Route 66”. Other ‘50s and ‘60s era music will be featured. Advanced tickets are available for any size donation beginning July 14 in person at the center or with MasterCard/Visa by calling 253-856-5150.

Health

Kent4Health Free Trail Walks: 3-mile (5K) self-guided walks exploring various Kent Parks on marked trails. Walks are twice a day at 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Visit Kent4Health.com for more information and a full schedule.

Bloodworks Northwest drives:  10 a.m.-noon, 1-4 p.m. July 10, Kent Station, 417 Ramsay Way;  12:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-6:30 p.m. July 13, St. James Episcopal Church, 24447 94th Ave. S. Appointments can be made by calling 1-800-398-7888, or visit www.bloodworksnw.org.

TOPS (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly): 6:45 p.m., Thursdays, Swanson Court Clubhouse, 12200 SE 207th St., Kent, near Kentridge High School. Nonprofit weight loss support group. Cost: $32 to join and $7 monthly. 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.

BEPC Conscious Wellness Expo: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. July 25, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N., Kent. Boeing Employees Parapsychology Club (BEPC) invites the public. Expo features a variety of vendors, healers and readers. Free admission, free parking, hourly door prizes. For more information, visit www.bepcweb.org

Clubs, programs

Young Author’s Day: noon-4 p.m. July 16, 17620 International Blvd, Seattle. Free event is for kids, ages 8 to 12. Sessions offered on how to bring a story to life, all taught by local authors and illustrators. Story times. Please register at www.pnwa.org.

Rotary Club of Kent: Join the local Rotary Club of Kent every Tuesday for its weekly meeting and luncheon at Down Home Catering in historic downtown Kent, 211 1st Ave. S. For more information go to: www.kentrotary.com

Kent Evening Toastmasters: 7 p.m., Wednesdays, Kent Commons, Interurban Room, 525 Fourth Ave N. 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.

Camps

Resident Camp at Waskowitz informational meeting: 6:30-7:30 p.m. July 8, Kent Commons, 525 4th Avenue N. Opportunity for parents and campers to meet the camp director and staff. Kent is one of the few cities to offer a summer resident camp for boys and girls entering the fifth, sixth or seventh grade this fall. The Aug. 3-7 camp, now in its 36th year, offers a wide spectrum of activities and professional management. Eighty-five percent of the camp counselors return. The camp, at the base of Mount Si in the Cascade foothills, is four miles east of North Bend. It is nestled in the woods on 360 acres of land. Cost for the camp is $320, which includes transportation, cabin accommodations, supervision and all meals, field trip and camp shirt. Scholarship monies are available for Kent residents on free-and-reduced lunches. For more information or to register, please call 253-856-5030 or visit www.kentwa.gov.

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.

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:

EARLY CLOSURE NOTICE

The Kent Library will be closing at 8 p.m. July 9 for Cornucopia Days.

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. July 17, 24 and 31. 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.

Kid’s Movie of the Month: 2 p.m. July 31. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

Be a Hero to Your Kids, Take your children to a KCLS library this summer: Kids who learn all summer go back to school with stronger learning skills. That’s why KCLS libraries provide free events and learning activities that enhance skills, increase curiosity and inspire creativity. Based on STEM curriculum, with reading and art added, summer learning builds smarter kids while they’re having fun. And it’s free. For details, visit any KCLS library or kcls.org/kids/summer.

Brown Bag Story Times: 11 a.m. July 15, 22 and 29. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Bring your lunch and come enjoy summertime stories. Pick up a cool take-home craft.

Infant and Young Toddler Story Times: 10:30 a.m. July 9, 16, 23 and 30. Ages newborn to 2 1/2 with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Master Payne’s Circus of Adventure, Magic Show: 6:30 p.m. July 14. Presented by Master Payne. Ages 5 and older with adult. Discover your inner spark by entering the fantastic world of Agatha Hetrodyne, Girl Genius. Free tickets available beginning at 5:30 p.m. on the day of the show.

Spanish Story Times: noon, July 18, 25. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Stories, songs and fun.

Free Pass to the fair: The 153rd annual King County Fair returns this summer to Enumclaw with carnival rides, games, food, exhibits, animals and entertainment. On Sunday, July 19 all kids under 18 can get into the fair free by just showing your KCLS library card. Must be accompanied by an adult. Includes all shows, concerts and exhibits. Ride tickets and wrist bands not included. Learn more at www.Enumclawkingcountyfair.com

Issun Boshi, The Small Samurai Puppet Show: 2 p.m. July 22. Presented by Shaver Puppets. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Small but brave Issun Boshi wishes to be a samurai. He must dodge hungry creatures, find work in the city and battle oni (ogres) to finally realize his dream.

Super Cars: 6:30 p.m. July 28. Presented by KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Ages 5 to 7 with adult. Help design new cars that use force and motion to help the super heroes catch the bad guys. Register online or call the library beginning July 14.

Summer Free Lunch Program: noon, Monday, Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Ages 18 and younger. Come and receive a free lunch from United Way.

TEENS

Teen Zone: Game On!: 3 p.m. July 7, 21. Middle and high school ages. Play video games at the library.

Robot Garage: 3 p.m. July 14. Presented by The Museum of Flight.Middle and high school ages. Use the Museum’s robotics kits to explore the basic engineering skills required to build a successful extra-terrestrial rover. Register online or call the library.

Forensics 101, Fingerprints Science Workshop: 3 p.m. July 28. Presented by Pacific Science Center. Middle and high school ages. Using your own fingerprints, learn the step-by-step process used in criminal investigations. Register online or call the library.

Study Zone-Summer Sessions: 3 p.m. Wednesdays. Grades K-12. Drop in to the Study Zone for math, reading and basic study skills.

ADULTS

Mobile Office Hours for Congressman Adam Smith: 10 a.m. July 21. Congressman Adam Smith’s Office will be hosting mobile office hours to make their services more convenient and accessible to you. Congressman Smith’s staff members are able to assist constituents with Federal Agency issues such as Social Security, Internal Revenue Service, State Department and, provide housing and financial support resources and help with federal agency questions.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. July 25. Get started with KCLS eBooks! Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

English as a Second Language Classes: 5:30 p.m., Mondays and Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills. Registration required. Please contact the library for details, 253-859-3330.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m. Tuesdays; 3 p.m. Thursdays. Theh library is here to help you get a free email account, start a résumé, start an online job search, or navigate the job application process! Librarians are available to provide one-on-one assistance on a drop-in, first come, first served basis. Strongly recommended that you bring a flash/USB drive.

Talk Time Class: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners.

Citizenship Classes: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Learn how to become a United States Citizen.

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 the class, 253-859-3330. • Computer Basics, 7 p.m. July 2; • Internet Level I, 6 p.m. July 9; • Email Level 1, 7 p.m. July 16; • Microsoft Word Level 1, 7 p.m. July 23; • Microsoft Excel Level I, 7 p.m. July 30.

MIND MATTERS

Movie Showing, “The Theory of Everything”: 6:30 p.m. July 21. While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. The King County Library System adult program series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. www.kcls.org/mindmatters

Scottish Country Dance for All: 2 p.m. July 26. Learn from the best with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society Seattle Dancers. Singles and partners welcome. Registration required. While your brain is not a muscle, it does need care, feeding and exercise to keep it in top shape. The King County Library System adult program series, Mind Matters, offers free programs, classes, tips and reading suggestions to stay sharp. www.kcls.org/mindmatters

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Hello Kitty Supercute Friendship Festival: 7 p.m. July 24; 2 p.m., 7:30 p.m. July 25; noon July 26. Hello Kitty and her friends in multi-stage live performances, DJ-driven dancing with dance group KRU HK, interactive exhibits, animation, art, fashion, photo opportunities, event-exclusive collectibles and more. Tickets: $20-$30.

Legends Football League: 8 p.m. Aug. 1. Las Vegas Sin vs. Seattle Mist. Tickets: $10-$55.

ELSEWHERE

Live music ballroom dances: 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday, Kent Senior Activity Center, 600 E. Smith St. Open to all ages. Cover charge: $4 at the door for all ages, dancers and listeners. Refreshments served at 8:30 p.m. Program schedule: • First Tuesday: 17-member Big Band Kings of Swing, 7:45 to 9:30 p.m. Refreshments by the Lakeshore or Radcliffe Place; • Second Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by the Weatherly; • Third Tuesday: Andy Burnett, rock ‘n roll music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Stafford Suites; • Fourth Tuesday: Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Farrington Court; • Fifth Tuesday (when occurring): Randy Litch, ballroom dance music, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Refreshments by Judson Park. For more information, call 253-856-5150 or visit kentwa.gov/SeniorActivityCenter/

“A Maze”: 8-10 p.m. Thursdays, Friday, Saturdays, July 16-Aug. 1, Theatre Battery at Kent Station, 438 Ramsay Way, Suite 103. Northwest Premiere Production of Rob Handel’s play, under the direction of Logan Ellis. There are two kinds of mazes: The kind where you try to get through and out the other side, and the kind where you try to get to the center. It’s fragmented at first – you have to allow things not to make sense and trust that all will be revealed. Two rock stars struggle to regain their art after rehab, a young kidnapping victim finds her voice, and the King and Queen of a distant land protect their unborn heir. Tickets: $15-$25. For tickets or to learn more, call 206-419-1675 or visit www.theatrebattery.com

KENT SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Take Out Tuesdays. Performances noon to 1 p.m., Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way.

Jessica Lynne: July 14. Compared to luminaries like Dolly Parton and Miranda Lambert, Jessica Lynne has taken the Northwest by storm. She has already played legendary stages at the Gorge Amphitheater and the Triple Door.

Sundae + Mr. Goessl: July 21. The duo of Jason Goessl and Kate Voss embodies a spirit of 1930s pop. They repackage classics with a fresh vintage patina. Sultry vocals mix with layered guitar.

William & Mary: July 28. Classic folk and bluegrass favorites from “The American Songbook.”

Republic Services Wednesday. Performances noon to 1 p.m., Town Square Plaza, 2nd and Harrison

Roberto the Magnificent: July 8. He rides very tall unicycles, bounces on industrial strength pogo sticks and juggles sharp knives, flaming torches, and spinning hand saws – all while keeping audiences in fits of giggles.

Big Bang Boom: July 15. Rockin’ three-piece band delivers a clever mix of alternative, hip-hop, pop, country and other genres to create music that parents and kids enjoy.

Secret Agent 23 Skidoo: July 22. Family hip hop with a solid gold soul. Purveyor of “kid hop” at its finest, Secret Agent 23 Skidoo captivates crowds with funky, half-pint party music that combines deft wordplay, great storytelling and pure positivity on top of thumping drums and sophisticated multi-instrumental productions.

Tickle Tune Typhoon: July 29. Dancing vegetables, larger-than-life robots and award-winning music. Northwest favorite delivers positive messages and educational topics cleverly disguised as silly fun.

The Not-Its!: Aug. 5. Seattle “Kindie Rock” quintet will have children and their parents on their feet rocking out to power-packed songs about bugs, haircuts, reading, the ‘80s and more.

Recess Monkey – Sponsored by Bright Horizons: Aug. 12. Trio blends various musical influences with clever and comical lyrics. There are hints of pop, folk, zany surf rock and swamp-tinged country.

Wednesday Family Date Night. Performances 6-8 p.m., Kent Station Plaza, 417 Ramsay Way. Sponsored by Republic Services.

Kitt Bender: July 8. Delivering a one-two punch of anthemic pop writing and stadium-ready rock showmanship, clear parallels exist between Seattle artist Kitt Bender and such acts as Sting, U2, and Phil Collins.

Knut Bell: July 15. You’ve heard Knut Bell and the Blue Collars live on KEXP and the Bob Rivers Show. They perform mostly originals and throw in some country classics from past legends.

Raucous Band: July 22. Raucous (pronounced “Rock Us”) presents an energy-packed, audience-friendly performance, playing a wide variety of classic rock and dance music.

The Senate: July 29. Guitarists Nick Drummond and Oliver Franklin’s distinctive songwriting styles showcase inspirations ranging from dusty and shimmering West African guitar to the grit and raw power of American rock.

Thursdays at the Lake, 7 to 8:30 p.m., Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St. (shuttle bus service available)

The Suffers: July 9. Ten-piece band from Houston is redefining the sound of Gulf Coast Soul, intertwining elements of classic American soul with rock and roll.

Little Bill and the Blue Notes: July 16. Northwest original will have audiences singing the blues. “Little Bill” Englehart has been a fixture on the music scene in the region since he first started playing in the mid-’50s.

JP Hennessy: July 23. Seattle-based Irish recording artist takes a strong influence from blues, soul and rock and roll.

Stooges Brass Band: July 30. Band consistently delivers a high energy show, engaging audiences with its innovative blend of traditional New Orleans brass sounds, contemporary jazz and hip-hop beats.

Joy Mills Band: Aug. 6. Seattle-based band delivers a well-grooved blend of roots, rock ‘n’ roll, folk, and country.

Gypsy Soul: Aug. 13. Anchored by Cilette Swann’s crystal-clear, haunting voice and Roman Morykit’s superb multi-instrumental musicianship, Gypsy Soul stirs the soul and moves the spirit with a sound that ranges from Americana heartland rock to country, blues, R&B and soul.

Music

Maple Valley Youth Symphony Orchestra: Taylor Creek Church, 21110 244th Ave. SE, Maple Valley.  MVYSO boasts a playing group for every level, from beginning strings to string ensemble. For more information, call 425-358-1640 or visit www.mvyso.org.

Rainier Youth Choirs: RYC has four leveled groups based on age and ability (grades 2 through 14).  Call 253-315-3125 to schedule an audition.  For more information, visit  www.rainieryouthchoirs.org.

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: 205 1st 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., Wednesday-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.gkhs.org