Kent-area community calendar | June 24

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.

Kids Safety Day: 10 a.m.-1 p.m. June 26, ShoWare Center, 625 W. James St. The King County Fire & Life Safety Association invites families to its free event. Come see emergency vehicles, safety partners and more. There will be fire trucks from around the area, police vehicles and ambulances. Learn things to keep you safe. Life jackets, 911, poison control, crosswalk safety and more. Please contact your local fire department or call 253-856-4482 for more information.

Greater Seattle Postcard and Paper Show: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. June 27; 10 a.m.-4 p.m. June 28, Kent Commons, 525 Fourth Ave. N. Approximately 15-20 dealers from throughout the Northwest and California, displaying old postcards, paper collectibles and ephemera. Included: postcards, stamps, advertising trade cards, cigar labels, valentines, scrap, travel brochures, photographs, stereographs, aviation, auto, railroad, ship, movie memorabilia, Western Americana. Free appraisals of all old paper collectibles. Admission: $5. www.postcardshows.com.

27th annual Pacific Northwest Historics: 9 a.m.-5 p.m. July 3-5, Pacific Raceways, 31001 144th Ave. SE, Kent. Vintage car racing. SOVREN (Society of Vintage Racing Enthusiasts) salutes to racing BMWs. For more information, visit sovrenracing.org.

17th annual Fourth of July Splash: Noon-10:30 p.m. July 4, Lake Meridian Park, 14800 SE 272nd St. Featuring family entertainment presented by Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Kent Arts Commission. Live music, children’s activities, food and drinks and a classic fireworks display beginning at 10 p.m. Sponsored by the city’s Parks Department and the Lake Meridian Community Association, the show is approximately 20 minutes long. Off-site parking and free shuttle bus service begins at noon and continues approximately every 20 minutes to and from Lake Meridian. Follow event parking signs to Fire Station No. 75, 15635 SE 272nd St.; Kentwood High School, 25800 164th Ave. SE and 132nd; and Meridian Elementary School, 25621 140th Ave. SE. Free admission. For more information, visit www.KentArts.com or call 253-856-5050.

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.

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.

GEM Mentoring breakfast: 8-10 a.m. June 27, Applebee’s, 25442 104th Ave. SE, Kent. For $10, enjoy a full flapjack breakfast. Proceeds support the Glover Empower Mentoring and its Youth Summer Program. For more information or to donate to the cause, call 253-520-3888 or visit gementoring.wix.com/gementoring.

K-M Royals Football & Cheer Boosters/PTSA: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. June 28, Kent-Meridian High School, 10020 SE 256th St, Kent. Inaugural new mattress fundraiser. Proceeds support the school’s football and cheer programs. Royals, working with Custom Fundraising Solutions, will display 25 mattresses. All sizes available: twin, full, queen, king and custom. Mattress ordered from the manufacturers the Monday following the event and are ready for pick up or delivery usually within two weeks. Professional salespeople available to answer questions. Cash, check, and credit cards accepted. Free layaway, if needed. For more information, visit bit.ly/Beds4KentMeridian

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.

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.

Zumba: 5:30-6:30 p.m. Monday and Wednesday (except holidays), SeaMar Community Clinic, 233 Second Ave. S, Kent. Dance to great music with great people. Taught by licensed instructors. Habla Espanol. Free. Call 206-436-6380 to register. Sponsored by Kent4Health and SeaMar Community Clinic. www.kent4health.com

Bloodworks Northwest drives:  8-10 a.m., 11 a.m.-2 p.m. June 26, Blue Origin, LLC, 21218 76th Ave. S.; 1-3 p.m., 4-7 p.m. June 30, First Christian Church of Kent, 11717 SE 240th St.; 10-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

Book Signing: 1-3 p.m. June 27, Barnes & Noble, 31325 Pacific Highway S., Federal Way. Author Mari Borrero, a Kent resident, available to sign copies of her book, “Daddy Has a New Home, Not a New Heart”. Alex doesn’t understand why his dad is not ready for his Saturday baseball game. It’s unusual that he is not ready, and Alex sets out to find out where he is. As he sets out to find where his dad is, an intense conversation with his grandma takes place. Find out what happened to Alex’s dad and what his grandma said that would change Alex’s life forever.

Book launch and signing: Noon-3 p.m. June 28, Reds Wine Bar at Kent Station, 321 Ramsay Way, Suite 110. Meet the authors: Matthew Tolleth (www.stillnesswithinthestorm.com); Dayna Reid (www.daynareid.com) and Sue Mocker (www.thehopefactor.com). Get a copy of the book signed or buy one there. www.facebook.com/events/1662504480647156/

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

Kent Parks’ Teen Camp: 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday, June 22-Aug. 14, Mill Creek Middle School, 620 Central Ave. N, Kent. Hosted by Kent Parks and Recreation Department. Field trips to Game Works, Snoqualmie Falls, LeMay Car Museum, and a Tacoma Rainiers game are among the activities that await seventh-, eighth- and ninth-graders. Attendees will experience two field trips per week. With the exception of the week of July 4, weekly sessions cost $160 each and include field trips, sack lunches, afternoon snacks and a T-shirt. Registration is first come, first served until camp is full. A $20 deposit reserves your teen’s spot and can be applied to the balance of that’s week’s fee. Full payment is due the Monday the week prior to the week your teen is registered to attend. For more information and to register, call 253-856-5030.

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.

47th District Democrats monthly meeting: 7-9 p.m. first Wednesday of the month, Auburn IAM Hall, 201 A St. SW, next to the Auburn Transit Station. Diverse group welcomes the public to join them to meet candidates and leaders in the community to discuss topics, pass resolutions and just have a great time. Free. For more information, visit wa47thdems.org or find us on Facebook.

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:

CHILDREN & FAMILIES

Play & Learn: 10:30 a.m. June 26. 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. June 26. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. Enjoy a family friendly film with a light snack.

The Zaniaction Contraption Show: 10:30 a.m. June 27. Presented by Alex Zerbe, Professional Zaniac. Family program, all ages welcome with adult. See fascinating contraptions in action and discover how to become a super hero with this two-time Guinness World Record holder and zany, super-kinetic, high-energy performer who will have you laughing at his playful antics. Free tickets available beginning at 10 a.m. on the day of the show.

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.

TEENS

Study Zone: 1:30 p.m. Sundays; 3:30 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. No Study Zone on June 15-July 1. Grades K-12. Drop in for homework assistance from trained volunteer tutors.

Bucket Drumming Remix Workshop: 3 p.m. June 30. Presented by Ian Dobson. Middle and high school ages. People all over the world have used their creativity and resourcefulness to make musical instruments from recycled materials. Learn about the development of steel drums, syncopation, pitch and sound waves. Then use recycled bucket drums to create an original digital recorded remix. Registration required online or by phone, 253-859-3330.

ADULTS

Talk Time: 5 p.m. Tuesdays. Practice speaking English with other English language learners. Classes are free. Join anytime.

Citizenship Class: 7 p.m. Tuesdays. Get help with the citizenship interview process, including civics and government questions, reading and writing English and practicing your interview skills. Registration not required.  Classes are free. Join anytime.

English as a Second Language (ESL): 5:30 p.m.  Mondays, Wednesdays. Learn English grammar, reading, writing, and conversation skills with an experienced instructor. Classes are free. Registration required.

SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives): Free counseling for small businesses. Please call 206-553-7320 for appointments.

Drop-In to Learn about eBooks: 10 a.m. June 27. Get started with KCLS eBooks. Bring your eReader, tablet, phone or just your questions.

Computer Classes: Registration required beginning two weeks before the class, 253-859-3330.

Free Citizenship Application Help: 11 a.m. June 26. Get help filling out the N-400 Naturalization Application for U.S. Citizenship. The service is free, but space is limited. To make an appointment, contact Jennifer Rosacker, 206-774-2475 or Upama KC, 206-805-8945.

Job Readiness Program: 10:30 a.m.-noon, Tuesdays; 3-4:30 p.m. Thursdays. Do you need help starting the online job application process? The 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.

Entertainment

SHOWARE CENTER

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

Stayin’ Alive – Bee Gees Tribute:  8 p.m. June 26. Offering fans the full sights and sounds of the Bee Gees playlist and singing their blockbuster hits. Tickets: $20-$75.

Bikes, Brews & Tattoos: 1-7 p.m. June 27. Lawless Harley-Davidson of Renton presents free concert, featuring Spike and The Impalers and guest, Invasive.  Hollywood B Harley Stunt Show; tattoo artists; bikes, food, wine and beer garden. Live auction benefitting Bikers Against Bullies and the Miss in America Project.

1964 The Tribute: 8 p.m. June 28. Show is an accurate re-creation of a Beatles Concert Live from songs, voices, instruments, suits, haircuts, down to the Beatle boots. Tickets: $20-$75.

Legends Football League: 8 p.m. July 3, Seattle Mist vs. LA Temptation. 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/

8th Annual Kent Music & Art Showcase: 5-8 p.m. June 25, Kent Senior Center, 600 E. Smith St. Free concerts (The Coats, James Caddell, Richard Dean); free art show (Kent Valley artists); free fesserts (Stafford Suites). Discounted dinners by Mitzels mobile food truck. Co-sponsor informational booths, Mocktail Garden by donation. Call 253-856-5150 for more information.

Federal Way Harmony Kings 54th annual show: 2-4 p.m. June 28, Our Savior’s Baptist Church, 701 S. 320th, Federal Way. Family friendly show takes a look at the fun, follies and foibles of sending and receiving love letters. Portion of the show’s proceeds go to the Kings’ Youth In Harmony Outreach and provides scholarships to Harmony Explosion Summer Vocal Camp. For more information, call 253-858-8095 or visit www.harmonykings.org

“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

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.

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.

Reunions

Kentlake Class of 2005: 7-11 p.m. June 27, Tavern Hall, 505 Bellevue Square, Bellevue. 10-year reunion. Ticket information: http://klhs2005.weebly.com

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